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Pastor of the Church from 1771 to 1818. 



An Historical DiscoLirse 



DELIVERED AT 



WEST BROOKFIELD, MASS., 



ON OCCASION OF THE 



(ine Punbrrtr anb Jiftixllj g^nnibtrsarji 



FIRST CHURCH IN BROOKFIELD, 



OCTOBEK 16, 1867. 

/ 

By SAIMUEL DUNHAIM, 

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. 



WITH A POEM AND APPENDIX, 



SPRINGFIELD, MASS.: 

SAMUEL BOWLES & CO.MPANY, PRINTERS. 

1867. 




'.-^ 



ty 



\ 



Prefatory Note. 



In tlie preparation of the following Discourse, the records of Town, 
Parish, and Church, have been thorouglily explored, and every other 
available source of information consulted, whether manuscript or 
printed, monumental or traditionary. Many important biographical 
and other items have also been obtained by means of a somewhat ex- 
tensive correspondence. 

With the facts, carefully sifted and compared, spread out before him, 
the author has diligently aimed at impartiality of judgment, accuracy 
of statement, and exactness in statistics and dates. And it is confidently 
believed that what he has thus patiently sought, has, to a good degree, 
been attained. S. D. 

West Bkookfield, November 5, 1867. 



Discourse. 



Detxtprouoiny xxxii. "7. 
" REMEMBER THE DAYS OF OLD, CONSIDER THE YEARS OF MAXY^ GENERA- 
TIONS ; ASK THY FATHER, AND HE WILL SHEW TIIEE ; THY ELDERS, AND 
TIIEY WILL TELL THEE." 

Just one hundred and fifty years have passed away since 
the First Church in Brookfield was founded. We are met 
here within this house of God to-day to commemorate that 
event. From the widely diverging paths into which our varied 
preferences and pursuits have led us, we are gathered once 
more around the venerable Mother to pay that tribute of re- 
spect which is due to her hoary age. And it seems quite in 
keeping with the object of our assembling, as being well fit- 
ted to foster and deepen our reverence, and strengthen the bond 
of our filial attachment, that we should together recount some 
of the more important incidents of her long and honorable ca- 
reer. May it not, likewise, fully accord with our own cher- 
ished and sacred regard for the past, and prove a source of 
fresh inspiration and incitement for the future, to " remem- 
ber the days of old," and " consider the years of many gen- 
erations ; " — thankfully tracing, meanwhile, the finger of God 
in our history. 

Scarcely had the wild Indian ceased to hunt the game of 
the surrounding forests, and to catch the fish of these neigh- 
boring ponds and brooks, — scarcely had the echo of his sav- 
age yell died away among these hills, when a Church of Christ 



6 

was here constituted, and the glad^note of the Gospel was 
sounded forth from the lips of the living preacher. It was at 
that time the only church in all this region of country includ- 
ing a circuit of many miles on either hand. 

Of the seventy-three Congregational Churches now in 
Worcester County, not one had then been formed, save the 
First Church (the Old South) in what is now the City of 
Worcester, and that was organized only the previous year in 
1716. This Church, — a little hardy, brave band of men, fear- 
less of danger, true to Puritan principles, and loyal to Christ, 
stood absolutely isolated and alone, surrounded only by a broad 
and desolate waste infested with wild beasts and savages. 

The maintenance of the ordinances of religion in the midst 
of this wilderness, remote from the centres of population, and 
exposed to the barbai'ity and cruelty of the sons of the forest, 
was but in harmony with the devout and heroic spirit and 
conduct of the Pilgrim Fathers, and early settlers of this 
Colony, who, for the sake of enjoying their liberty, and of 
walking according to the faith and order of the Gospel, aban- 
doned the land of their nativity for the rock-bound shores and 
ruffsed soil of New Enoland. 

From the first settlement of old Quaboag* in 1660, there is 
reason to believe that God had been publicly worshiped here, 
with the exception of about a dozen years, from 1675, when 
the entire town was burned, and the inhabitants dispersed by 
the Indians, to about the year 1687, when the scattered set- 
tlers began again to return. 

The fifteen years previous to the dispersion were years of 
peace and evident prosperity ; so that the " several inhabit- 
ants of Ipswich " to whom the first grant of land here was 

* The name was changed to Brooklield on becoming a township in 1673. 



made, had grown to a little community of twenty fiimilies, 
who had been enabled to build for themselves a sanctuary In 
which they might hold public worship on the Sabbath. 

Indeed this original grant of the General Court in May 20th, 
1660, was made only upon condition that there should be 
twenty families resident here within three years, and that, 
within the same time, there should be settled " an able minis- 
ter," such as the Court should approve ; " and that they make 
due provision in some way or other for the future ; either by 
setting apart of lands, or what else shall be thought meet for 
the continuance of the ministry amongst them." 

From an Historical Address* by Henry A. Sykes, A. M., 
of Suffield, Connecticut, it appears that Mr. John Younglove, 
the first minister of that town, " had preached at Quaboag 
(Brookfield, Massachusetts,) for some time previous to Philip's 
war," and that after the destruction of this settlement by the 
Indians in 1675, " he went to Hadley and taught the town or 
grammar school, till he was Invited to Suffield," where he com- 
menced his labors sometime during the year 1679, or early in 
1680, and where "he continued until his decease June 3, 
1690." Of Mr. Younglove as a minister, "little is known; 
he was no doubt an educated man, though It is not known 
that he was a graduate of any college, his name not being 
among those of the graduates of Harvard, then the only col- 
lege in America." 

There is also an obscure tradition, though no certain evi- 
dence, of the existence of an organized church at this early 
period. AVe are left much in the dark respecting that portion 
of our history ; for, doubtless, the flames that were kindled 



* Proceedings on the occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary 
of the decease of the Kev. Benjamin Ruggies, at SiiflSeld, Conn., 1859, p. 43. 



by the treachery of King Philip's Indians, and which de- 
stroyed the town, consumed likewise its most ancient records. 

From a petition of the inhabitants of Brookfield to the 
Honoi'ed General Court, assembled at Boston, in November 
1698, it appears that for a time previous to that date, they 
were destitute of the stated ministrations of the Gospel. In 
that petition* they show " That it is an intolerable burden to 
continue, as we have done, without the preaching of the word." 
They further say that they " are not able at pi^esent to main- 
tain the worship of God;" that they " are but twelve fami- 
lies " — so slow was the resettlement of the town after the war 
that drove the first settlers from their chosen home — and that 
they " are not of estate sufficient to give suitable encourage- 
ment to a minister," though, be it said to their credit, they 
were " ivilling to do to the outside of [their] abiliti/J^ 

In answer to their petition it was " ordered that there be 
twenty pounds paid out of the public Treasury of this Prov- 
ince, towards the support of an orthodox minister for one year 
to commence from the time of the settlement of such minister 
amongst them." 

According to Mr. Foot's Historical Discourse, tradition re- 
lates that Mr. Thomas James, a native of England, minister 
of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and afterwards a missionary 
at East Hampton, Long Island, preached the first sermon in 
this town. " Previously to 1713, a Mr. Smith had been era- 
ployed here as a minister." In 1715 the records show that 
Mr. Daniel Elmer, a graduate of Yale College in 1713, in 
a class of three, had, for a time, been carrying on the work 
of the ministry, supported in part by the General Court. But 
in that year he relinquished his labors here, and was succeeded 
by Mr. Thomas Cheney. 

* For the petition in full, see Appendix, Note I. 



PASTORS, PASTORATES, AND CONNECTED HISTORY. 
But it was not till the third Wednesday in October (the 
16th, day) 1717, that this church was formally organized, and 
Mr. Cheney solemnly ordained its first pastor. The terms 
of his settlement had been agreed upon about a year and a 
half before : 

" Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookfield, on April y« 5th, 1716 ; 
Voted y Thomas Barnes be moderator for s** day. Voted that Edward 
Walker, Senr., Joseph Banister, and Elisha Rice, doe further Discourse 
Mr. Cheney as to his proposals in order to a settlement in s^ Place to 
carry on y« work of the Ministry." 

Mr. Cheney's proposals in his own handwriting were soon 
obtained, while the people were yet assembled, and " were 
read in town meeting," in the words following : 

" Gentlemen, as to y« Demolitions of y^ House and Barn you propose 
to Build for me in case I should settle amongst you, it is my mind and 
desire with Respect to my House, y* y» length may be 42 foott, the wedht 
20 foott ; as to y stud fourteen foott stud ; and as to y« barn, that it 
may be 30 foott long, and 20 foott wide, w' a lentow [leanto] on one 
side. 

This from your servant, 

TnoMAS Cheney. 

As to y« Glass, Nails and Iron, I will provide and procure myself so 
far as is necessary to s^ House and Baru. 

Thomas Cuenet." 

Having considered the above proposals, — 

" The Inhabitants Voted firstly. To Give Mr. Cheney for his salery, 
fifty-two pounds yearly for three years, and to Rise forty shillings a year 
untill it comes to seventy pounds, and there to stay. 

Secondly, Voted y Mr. Cheney Have all the Land yt the Committee 
Proposed to give Him. 

Thirdly, Voted To Build him a House and Barn, according to y« De- 
mentions yi he has given ; Mr. Cheney providing Glass, Naills, and Iron. 



10 

Fourthly, Voted to Break up, and fence, and fitt to sow Eight acres of 
Land ; four acres upon the Hill ; two acres to be planted out with or- 
charding this year, and four Acres To be Broke up on the plain this year, 
the other two acres to be done within four years. 

Fifthly, Voted to gett Mr. Cheney twenty-five cord of wood yearly his 
lifetime. 

Sixthly, Voted to give Mr. Cheney each man one day's work yearly, 
for six years. His House and Barn to be built in four years ; always 
Provided Mr. Cheney be our ordained Minister. 

THOMAS BARNES, Moderator:' 

The above was " Aproved and alowed by the Committee for Brook- 
field, May y^ 16th, 1716, Provided Mr. Cheney be their settled minister 
three years." 

Samuel Partridge, ^ 

John Pynchon, 

Samuel Porter, 

Ebenezer Pomroy, 



Committee 

for 
Broohfield. 



As to the amount of land which the Committee proposed to 
give Mr. Cheney, and which was voted by the town at the 
above meeting, we find the following record : — 

" At a meeting of the Committee for Brookfield March 28, 1716, 
the Committee taking into consideration a grant made to the first settled 
minister " [that is the first minister who shoidd be settled] " made De- 
cember 9, 1714 of all y* land lying in Brookfield between Mr. Willson's 
and Mr. Younglove's land, the Committee did this day grant to Mr. 
Thos. Cheney now minister in s<^ place — all the land aforesaid between 
s'^ Willson and Younglove's lott, and the 20 acres of meadow belonging 
to s'J lott, and also 8 or 10 acres on the plain, and als9 we grant to him s^ 
Cheney 100 acres of land in s^ place to be taken where he shall ehuse 
■ — always provided Mr. Cheney become a settled minister in s'* place. 
The first grant not to enterfeu* upon a grant made for a Highway made 
November, 1715." 

In addition to these several grants the Committee, in the 
autumn of the same year (October 12, 1716) took the follow- 
ing action : — 

" Whereas about 3 years Since the General Court allowed to the 
Ministry in Brookfield twenty pounds ; of which sum Mr. Elmore (El- 



11 

nier) who left the Ministry there so as he had but one-half part of s-i 
sum payd to him, there Remayns ten pounds of s^ sum or donation ; the 
Committee Judge it meete this last part be payd to Mr. Thomas Cheney 
the present minister, as part of his sallery, and have given order to Luke 
Hitchcock Esq. to get the Money for him," 

Provision having thus been made for Mr. Cheney's support, 

in the following summer (July 16, 1717,) the call was made 

out, and arrangements made for the ordination: — 

" Att a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookfield l)y order of the Com- 
mittee for s<i place Bareing date June y* 28th, 1717. 

Voied, That the Reverend Mr. Thomas Cheney shall be ordained 
minister for the Town. 

Voted, The third Wednesday in October next is apointcd and sett 
apartt for iMr. Cheney's ordination. 

I'otcd, That Mr. Tilly Merick and Joseph Banister aQuaint Mr. 
Cheney with the Town's mind, and as to the day aGreed upon for his 
ordination, and now made Return y' Mr. Cheney consents thereto. 

Voted, That Tilly jMcrick, Joseph Banister, Thomas Barnes and 
Thomas Parsons Doe take care that sutable Provition be made for such 
Elders and Messengers as may be called to assist in our ordination. 

Voted That y« Town Celebrate and Sett apart a Day of fasting and 
Prayer to Implore God's presents w' us in this solemn and weighty mat- 
ter, which day is left to Mr. Cheney to appoint. 

Full and clear votes, / ^ 

Test. THOMAS GILBERT, Moderator." 

This action on the part of the town received the hearty sanc- 
tion of the Committee, and won from them expressions of satis- 
faction " in the unanimity " of the people " in so Good a work," 
with the hope that they might " have further ocation to Rejoice 
in their Good settlement." 

The ordination took place as arranged, the Sermon being 

preached just one hundred and fifty years ago to-day by Rev. 

Solomon Stoddard* of Northampton, on " The duty of GOS- 

* Solomon Stoddard was born in Boston ; was graduated at Harvard College 
in 16G2, in a class of six ; Avas ordained pastor of the church in Northampton, 
Massachusetts September 11, 1672; and died February 11, 1720, aged eighty- 
six. He was grandfatlior of his colleague and successor, Jonathan Edwards. 



12 

PEL MINISTERS to preserve a PEOPLE from COE- 
RUPTION." It was printed. 

Mr. Cheney was born at Eoxbury * (Massachusetts) in 1690, 
and was graduated at Harvard College in 1711. He is des- 
cribed as an acceptable preacher, and as sustaining the charac- 
ter of a good man, and a faithful minister. He lived in har- 
mony with this people for a period of more than thirty years, 
and died December 11, 1747, aged 57. f 

But he had lived to see the " Great Awakening" of 1740, 
and to reap some of the glorious fruits of that stupendous 
work of Grace. It is a fact which had no equivocal bearing 
upon the early spiritual life and enlargement of the church 
that in the autumn of 1740 (October 16,) Whitefield on his 
way from Leicester to Northampton to see Mr. Edwards, 
halted here for a night, and, before he left, preached with stir- 
ring; effect to the inhabitants of this town. It was his second 
visit to America, and his first preaching tour through New 
England. And although he was then a young man of less 
than twenty-six years, and had spent but a few months upon 
our shores, his fame had spread as if by magic all over the 
land. Just at that time he was the man about whom more 
was said and written, good and bad, than about any other 
man in the country. 

It is not strange that the people of this quiet place had a 
curiosity to see so great a prodigy, and to listen to his far- 
famed eloquence. They sought to give him a hearing in their 
little house of worship. But Mr. Cheney shared the common 
prejudice of the ministers of that day, and, fearing the results 
of so unusual and irregular a proceeding, would not at first 

* Spra^ie's Annals of the American Pulpit, Vol. I. p. 173. 

tHis grave is at Brookfield (South Parish), a few rods from the entrance at 
the right. 



13 

suffer the meeting-house to be opened. At length, however, 
so great became the press of the people, he was constrained 
to yield. But by this time the assembly had become so nu- 
merous as to exceed the capacity of the house, and, hence, 
they Avlthdrew to an open field near at hand, and there with a 
rock* for his pulpit, and the canopy of heaven for his sound- 
ing-board, the youthful preacher poured forth that simple, fer- 
vid eloquence of his which fell so sweetly upon the ear, and so 
mysteriously moved and melted the heart. 

As the result of that sermon, by the blessing of God, some 
sinners were awakened, and there followed a revival in whose 
labors Mr. Cheney bore an active and efficient part, and the 
church received a large accession to its membership. 

Thus early in our history was the fostering care of a kind 
Providence made signally manifest, and the first pastor of 
this ancient church graciously permitted, in the closing years 
of his life, to see the flock of God materially strengthened, 
and the borders of this Zion perceptibly enlarged. 

The last subject of this revival died in 1819, aged one hun- 
dred yeai's and seven months.f 

About the time of Mr. Cheney's death, a considerable num- 
ber of the members of this church were, according to ISlr. Foot, 
dismissed to constitute the church in Western ij: (Warren). 

The people were not long satisfied to be without a settled 
minister ; for, among the loose leaves of the old Town Rec- 
ords, we find, under date October 25, 1748, this vote — " That 

*The rock on which Mr. Whitefielil is supposed to liave stood during his 
sermon is on Foster's Hill, in ii field north-west of the late residence of Mr. 
Baxter Barnes. 

t ilercy Banister, widow of Thomas Banister. 

jMr. Foot's Historical Discourse on Brookfield, p. IG. 



14 

Thursday comforteen night be set apart for fasting and prayer, 
to God for his Directions with Respect to the setling a Gospel 
Minister amongst us in this place." 

The following month, November 28, the town " voted to 
concur with the vote of the church in their choice of Mr. 
Elisha Hardino; to be their minister." The terms of his set- 
tlement as fixed December 22, were as follows : 

" Voted, That there be given and granted to Mr. Elisha Harding for 
Lis encouragement to settle in the Gospel ministry in said town the sum 
of one thousand pounds old tenor currency.- 

2dly. Voted, That there be given and granted to the said Mr. Elisha 
Harding for his yearly salary and support during the time of his contin- 
uance in the ministry aforesaid, the sum of five hundred pounds old 
tenor currency, accounting the same as though to be paid in Indian corn 
at 20s. per bushel, and rye at 30s. per bushel, and wheat at 40s. per 
bushel, and so the five hundred pounds to be diminished or increased 
yearly in proportion to the prices of those commodities as they shall 
yearly rise or fall and be commonly bought or sold in said town ; pro- 
vided lie release to the town all right to the ministry lands, or, in case 
he inclines to have the improvement thereof, he have the liberty thereof, 
allowing and paying as much as any other person or persons would give 
therefor." 

On the 13th day of September, 1749, Mr. Harding was 
solemnly constituted second pastor. The sermon, entitled 
" A Monitor for Gospel Ministers," * was preached by Rev. 
Nathan Bucknam,| of Medway, from Col. 4 : 17, which was 
published. Mr. Harding was graduated at Harvard College 
in 1745. He was in College with our honored cuizen Jede- 
diah Foster, who was graduated the previous year. He is 
described as " a gentleman of great benevolence" " as " a man 
of singular probity and solid learning; " as "one, who /rom a 

* A copy of this sermon as originally publislied at Boston in 1749, is the 
propertj^ of James Parker, Esq., of Springfield. 

tlley. Nathan Bucknam was graduated at Harvard College in 1721 ; was 
settled minister in Medway over 70 years where he died in 1795 aged 92. 



15 

* 

child had known the Holy Scriptures^ and made them much the 
matter of his study." " Ills public ministrations were serious 
and adapted to edify and benefit his hearers." 

In 1750, March 29, — so rapid had been the growth of the 
town, — a second parish was incorporated, now known as North 
Brookfield;* and Avithin its bounds a church was oro^anized 
May 28, 1752, which took the distinctive name of the " Sec- 
ond Church of Christ in Brookfield," more recently called the 
"First Church in North Brookfield," of which Rev. Mr. 
Cushing is the present pastor. 

The following year (1753) the people fell into a most un- 
fortunate dispute about the location of a new meeting-house 
which they proposed to erect. The contention waxed so warm 
and impetuous at length, as to result in a second sunderino- of 
the parish, and the incorporation of the third or South Pai'ish 
November 8, 1754. A church, with thirty-nine members, 
was there formed April 15, 1756, known at present as the 
" Evangelical Congregational Church of Brookfield,"* of which 
Rev. Mr. Coit is the present pastor. In consequence of the 
commotion and troubles incident to this last division of the 
parish, Mr. Harding, at his own request, was dismissed May 
8, 1755, having sustained the pastoral office not quite six years. 

Two years and a half elapsed, and the third pastor, Mr. 
Joseph Parsons, was settled. He was a son of Rev. Joseph 
Parsons of Bradford, Massachusetts, and was graduated at 
Harvard College in 1752. Amon2r those who were in colleo-e 
at the same time with him, we find, in the class immediately 
preceding, the name of Eli Forbes, afterwards Dr. Forbes, 



* North Brookfield was incorporated a town in 1812. 

* When tlie first parish was set otf a separate townsliip in 1848, it received 
the name of West Brookfield, and the third parish retained the original name 
of Brookfield. 



16 

the first pastor of the church in the North Parish, and in the 
second class that followed him, the name of Nathan Fiske, 
afterwards Dr. Fiske, the first pastor of the church in the 
South Parish. These three college mates labored here many 
years side by side as pastors of the three churches of Brook- 
field. 

Mr. Parsons was ordained November 23, 1757. The gentle- 
men assisting in his ordination were Rev. Messrs Joseph Par- 
sons of Bradford, David White of Hardwick, Joshua Eaton 
of Spencer, John Tucker of Newbury, and Isaac Jones of 
Western (Warren). By the terms of the agreement between 
him and the parish, he was to receive one hundred and eight 
pounds lawful silver money as settlement, one half to be paid 
in one year, and the other half in two years, and a salary of 
fifty pounds lawful silver money the first and second years, 
fifty-five pounds the third, and sixty pounds the fourth year 
until the eighth year, when it was to be increased by six pounds, 
thirteen shillings and four pence, for the remainder of his 
ministry. Also, from the first, there was to be given him thirty 
cords of good wood brought to his door annually, to com- 
mence when he should begin housekeeping and to continue 
during his ministry. All this on condition that he should re- 
lease to the precinct all right and claim to the revenues of the 
ministry lands. 

These so called ministry lands, thus having been alienated 
from their original intention, were in the following year, De- 
cember 21, 1758, by a committee appointed and empowered 
for the purpose, divided among the three precincts or parishes 
of the town ; and, as a final disposition of the portion belong- 
ing to the first parish, it was sold, and the interest of the 
money arising from the sale appropriated towards the support 
of the minister. 



17 

III this same year, it must be noted, there sprung* up with- 
in the church a serious evil, in the introduction ot" what was 
termed the half -way Covenant ; an evil which, at that period, 
and in subsequent years, gained considerable currency among 
the churches of this Commonwealth, as also in other parts of 
New England. By the civil constitution of JNIassachusetts in 
those days, none but church members had a right to vote, or 
to hold civil offices. As early as 1630 it was ordained " that 
none but church members should be admitted to the freedom 
of the body politic."* 

The early framers of the Government, in their laudable zeal 
to establish a Commonwealth upon a solid Cliristian basis, 
were led into the error of so mingling the affairs of Church 
and State as, in the event, to secure, with the blessing of a 
religious state, a more than counterbalancing evil — a jjolitical 
and secular church. From the first, the government of Mas- 
sachusetts adopted a religious test of citizenship. Hence, as 
a natural consequence, so strong and universal was the desire 
to share the privilege of suffrage, and such was the eagerness 
of men then as now to enjoy the honors of civil office, that a 
mighty pressure was brought to bear upon the churches to 
induce them to receive as members such as had not the proper 
qualifications for church membership, that is, persons who 
were wholly ignorant of experimental religion, and who laid 
no claim to a Christian character. Thus powerfully appealed 
to, this church, among others, was betrayed into the folly of 
resorting to the expedient of a form of covenant, by " owning " 
or assenting to which any person, not of an immoral character, 
who had been baptized in infancy, might be recognized as a 



* Barber's Historical Collections of Massachusetts, p. 19. 
3 



18 

member, with the privilege of availing himself of the ordinance 
of Baptism for his children, though not required to partake of 
the Lord's Supper. This pernicious practice, which prevailed 
in this church nearly sixty years, during which time about 
one hundred persons " Owned the Covenant," and were ad- 
mitted to membership, wrought no little mischief, as we shall 
have occasion to see at a point farther on in our history. 

In 1768 the health of Mr. Parsons had so far declined that 
he was obliged to suspend preaching ; and ere long he was 
compelled by reason of bodily weakness to abandon his minis- 
terial labors altogether. He lived in feebleness some three 
years, until January 17, 1771, when he died in the fourteenth 
year of his ministry, and the thirty-eighth year of his age. His 
dust sleeps beneath the sod of the Old Burying Ground, over 
which, since the day of his burial, there have swept the rude 
blasts of a hundred winters. The spot is marked by a suita- 
ble stone, erected, in accordance with a vote of the parish, soon 
after his decease. Also in the new Cemetery we find another 
stone sacred to his memory, erected, likewise, by vote of the 
parish. Upon it we read, " He was an example of patience 
and resignation, and died strong in faith and full of hope, 
' The memory of the just is blessed.'" 

Mr. Parsons is said to have been " distinguished for the 
vivacity of his descriptions, the accuracy of his reasoning, and 
the persuasiveness of his exhortations." His ministry was 
eminently a peaceful one. The Records assure us that "the 
greatest harmony prevailed between him and the people dur- 
ing his life." 

The fourth pastor was Rev. Ephraim Ward. He was born 
at Newton, (Massachusetts,) in 1741, and was graduated at 
Harvard University in 1763, in a class that produced several 



19 

men of distinction, among whom was Joshua Upham, a na- 
tive of Brookfield, who afterwards became Judge of the Su- 
preme Court in the Province of New Brunswick.* 

Mr. Ward was ordained here October 23, 1771. f The 
churches assisting in his ordination were the Second and 
Third in Brookfield, the churches in Western (Warren), 
Ware, Spencer, Sturbridge, Newton, Weston, Waltham, 
and the First Church in Dedham. The sermon on the 
occasion was preached by Rev. Jason Haven, A. M., pastor 
of the First Church in Dedham, from I. Thessalonians 5 : 
12, 13, and was " Printed by Richard Draper in Newbury 
street," Boston. 

The early part of Mr. Ward's pastorate fell upon a dark 
and stormy period in the history of the country. But, not- 
withstanding the civil commotions which, during the Revo- 
lutionary struggle, disturbed the peace, and threatened the 
existence, of so many churches, the most uniform and perfect 
harmony prevailed between him and his people throughout 
his long and useful ministry. This happy circumstance was 
probably due, in no small degree, to Mr. Ward himself. For 
he was a man of an exceeding mild and amiable disposition, 
and, by his great kindness and affability, he won the high es- 
teem and cordial affection of his people, and, indeed, of all 
who knew him. "He possessed," says his biographer, "a 
peculiar talent for cultivating peace. Though he was ready 
to extend the hand of discipline, when the honor of his Mas- 
ter's cause required it ; yet he never resorted to coercive meas- 

*He died in London in 1808, while on an official mission to the British Gov- 
ernment. 

t For the proposed terms of Mr. Ward's settlement, and his reply accepting 
the same, see Appendix, Note II. 



20 

ures till all other expedients to reclaim the delinquent had 
failed."* Dr. Phelps, who was associated with him in the 
ministry for a time previous to Mr. Ward's death, makes this 
comprehensive and significant remark : " He had no enemies, 
and all the congregation resjjected and loved him."" 

As might be expected, Mr. Ward's labors here were not 
without visible fruits. Although, until near the close of his 
active labors, there was no year that was specially marked by 
revival, yet the catalogue shows a steady growth of the church, 
from year to year, throughout his ministry. Scarcely a year 
passed, whether in time of war or of peace, but that there were 
some accessions to the church, and on several different years 
the number received was such as to indicate a high degree of 
religious interest in the community. In the year 1775, for 
instance, ttventy-four were admitted on profession of faith ; in 
\1^Q, nineteen ; m VI ^0, thirteen ; in 1806, wme^eew; in 1807, 
fifteen; in 1808, eighteen. In 1814 there occurred a revival 
of considerable extent and power, though " it was confined 
principally to that part of the parish called Eagged Hill." 
During that jenrfifti/- six were added to the church upon profes- 
sion. In the gathering of this precious harvest, however, Mr. 
Ward was not permitted actively to engage. He had been 
forced by a partial loss of sight to relinquish his labors for the 
most part, particularly his public ministrations, in the Fall of 
1813 ; after which "the pulpit was supplied for a considerable 
time by the aid of the neighboring clergy," until the Summer 
of 1814, after which several candidates were employed. 

On the day of the forty-fifth anniversary of his settlement, 
October 23, 1816, he had the pleasure of welcoming a col- 
league, Eev. Mr. Phelps, to whom he might entrust the sa- 



* Sketch appended to Rev. Mr. Stone's Funeral Sermon. 



21 

cred interests of the church and parish, wliich had become so 
greatly endeared to his heart. But he was not suffered long 
to enjoy this new relation. Little more than a year had 
passed when he was seized with paralysis, and deprived of 
the power of utterance. But he soon so far recovered his 
speech as to be able to furnish abundant assurance of the 
consolation and joy he felt at the prospect of Heaven; and 
the following month, February 9, 1818, in the seventy-eighth 
year of his age, having sustained the pastoral office for nearly 
half a century, he fell asleep in Jesus. Thus, at the end of 
one hundred years of our church's history, closed the labors 
of only its fourth pastor. His funeral sermon was preached 
by Rev. Micah Stone, pastor of the church in the South Par- 
ish, from Hebrews 13 : 7 and Avas entitled, " A Christian Peo- 
ple's Remembrance of their Deceased Pastor." It was pub- 
lished. In this discourse Mr. Stone says of Mr. Ward, " As 
a preacher he was evangelical, plain, and practical. He held 
a very respectable standing among his brethren in the minis- 
try, and in all the neighboring churches. His apparent sin- 
cerity and piety, with the amiable spirit, the sound sentiments, 
and practical tendency of his discourses, rendered him accept- 
able and edifying." " A distinguishing excellence of our 
departed friend was, that he was a minister out of the pulpit, 
as well as in it. He was naturally kind and social in his feel- 
ings, and maintained a familiar and friendly intercourse with 
his people. lie readily sympathized with them in their joys 
and sorrows ; and was much disposed to benefit them by his 
private instructions and prayers. His affability and polite- 
ness endeared him to their hearts, and favorably disposed them 
to religion and its services. Of him we may truly say he 

'AUur'd to brighter worlds and led the way.' " 



22 

During his ministry the church was strengthened by a total 
accession of three hundred and seventy-eight mem- 
bers. 

Among the publications of Mr. Ward is a sermon preached 
at the funeral of Rev. Nathan Fiske, D. D., 1799 ; and a ser- 
mon from II. Peter 1 : 13, delivered on the Thirty-Second 
Anniversary of his own Ordination, October 23, 1803, and 
" published at the general request of the hearers." It is note- 
worthy, as indicating the growth of the population of the 
parish since that time, and perhaps, also, as showing the 
present increased rate of mortality, that, during those thirty- 
two years of his ministry, there were, according to the last 
named Discourse, but " three hundred and twenty-eight 
deaths, reckoning several who died in the army in the late 
Revolutionary War, and including several strangers who died 
in this place," — an average of only about ten deaths per year, 
while in these recent years, the average annual mortality has 
risen to nearly forty. It is, moreover, a significant fact that, 
within the same period of thirty-two years, five hundred and 
five children were baptized, or an average of nearly sixteen 
annually ; whereas, at the present time, not more than four 
or five children each year receive this Scriptural Seal ; — be- 
traying thus a strange laxity on the part of the church in 
these days in reference to Infant Baptism, and revealing a 
wide and unwarrantable departure, in this particular, from 
the faith and practice of our fathers ; — a case which, it is to 
be regretted, is not without its parallel, in numerous instances, 
among the professedly pedobaptist churches of the land. 

Rev. Eliakim Phelps, the fifth pastor, was born at Belcher- 
town, Massachusetts, March 20, 1790. His parents were 
Dea. Eliakim and Margaret (Combs) Phelps. He was grad- 



23 

uated at Union College, Schenectady, in 1814, where he also 
pursued his theological studies ; and was licensed to preach 
by the Consociation of Windham County, Connecticut, Sep- 
tember, 1815. He was ordained, as we have already noticed, 
associate pastor with Mr. Ward, October 23, 1816. The ser- 
mon was preached from II. Corinthians 5 : 20, by Rev, Dr. 
Morse * of Charlestown. 

At the time that Mr. Phelps received the call to settle here, 
the Half-way Covenant was still in force, although it seems to 
have fallen into disuse two years previously, in 1814. But 
Mr. Phelps made it a condition of his acceptance of the call 
that that covenant should be abolished. Accordingly there 
stands upon the church books this gratifying record, dated 
August 23, 1816. 

" At a meeting of the First Church of Christ in Brookfield, convened 
by previous notice for the purpose, voted unanimously that the covenant 
commonly called the Half-way Covenant, or the covenant allowing the 
privilege of Baptism to those who entered into it, should be entirely done 
away. No person in future should be admitted into it ; but, those who 
have enjoyed it, should be permitted to enjoy it one month from the date 
hereof." 

But, as Dr. Phelps says, " the evil did not end with the 
voting it out." The pernicious effects of the custom became 
particularly apparent during the great revival which soon at- 
tended the labors of Mr. Phelps in 1818. This church, like 
many others, at that time was composed largely of heads of 
families, a considerable number of whom came in on the Half- 
way Covenant plan, without any experience of the renewing 

*Jedidiah Morse, D. D., known as "the father of American geography," 
was born at Woodstock, Connecticut in 17G1 ; was graduated at Yale College 
in 1783, and died at New Haven in 1826. Prof. Morse, the inventor of the 
Telegraph, is his son. 



24 

and sanctifying iufluences of grace in their souls. As a conse- 
quence, " when the revival came, there were '■great searchings 
of heart ^ m the church as well as out." And, "one of the 
most marked features of that revival," as Dr. Phelps says he 
has ever considered it, " was the number of conversions in the 
church^ This revival, as being the first which occurred in 
the history of the church, of such manifest power, and so gen- 
eral in its extent, deserves a somewhat particular mention. It 
should, however, be previously said, as having, doubtless, per- 
formed an important part in 'preparing the way for the revival, 
that the Monthly Concert of prayer had been introduced in 
1816 ; also a meeting for prayer weekly on Wednesday even- 
ing, and a third service on the Sabbath. Prior to this time, 
meetings for prayer, with the exception of small neighborhood 
meetings, were, for the most part, unknown ; they were, at 
least, an anomaly. Respecting the introduction of the Sab- 
bath evening service, Dr. Phelps says, " The people of Brook- 
field, when I went among them, were in the habit of observ- 
ing Saturday evening as holy time, or rather not observing 
Sabbath evening. Their custom was, as they were dressed in 
their go-to-meeting suit, to spend Sabbath evening in social 
chat among the neighbors. It was easy to see that whatever 
of seriousness might have been impressed on their minds by 
the services of the day, was almost sure to be banished and 
destroyed by the gossip of the evening. To meet this state 
of things, I determined to try the effect of a third service for 
the evening. It worked well. It finally grew into a custom, 
and for the greater portion of my ministry I had three services 
on each Sabbath. I think that God owned and blessed the 
third service quite as evidently as either of the others." 
In the Fall of 1817 there were some tokens of a revival, 



25 

and six or seven were made hopeful subjects of grace. In 
the course of the year ten M'ere added to the church. Three 
years before, also, there occurred, as we have seen, a season, 
of special religious interest with very marked results. But, to 
quote Dr. Phelps' own words again : 

" A revival, in the form and aspects in which it developed itself in 
1818, was, to most of the people, a new thing; and it encountered no 
small degree of opposition. Some of the church-members refused, at 
first, to let their families attend our meetings. The school-house where 
we held them was closed against us, and the powers of darkness seemed 
to be putting forth the utmost of their strength to stop the work. But 
it was of God, and it went forward. I was myself a mere novice in 
revivals ; and the Holy Spirit, compassionating my weakness, seemed to 
take the work into his own hands ; and a very thorough and delightful 
work it was. It continued in greater or less power for more than a year. 
Fifty-three were added to the church in one day (December 13, 1818,) 
and the whole number of conversions, including some who joined other 
churches, was, probably, not less than one hundred." 

Dr. Phelps evidently understates the number ; for our cat- 
alogue shows an accession to our own membership, during 
1818 and 1819, of one hundred and thirteen^ who may prop- 
erly be reckoned as the fruits of that work of grace. And 
during his entire pastorate of ten years there were added in 
all ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT, of whom One hundred 
and forty were on profession. 

In the year 1819, April 9, our present Confession of Faith 
was adopted by a unanimous vote of the church, and ordered 
to be printed for the use of the members. 

The Covenant now In use Is the same, with the exception of 
a few unimportant verbal alterations, which was adopted when 
the church was first orsxanlzed.* 



* The Covenant may be found in the Appendix, Note II. 
4 



26 

In 1823 we find Mr. Phelps laboring outside the limits of 
his own parish, in connection with a revival in the city of 
Boston ; and, at a meeting of this church in August of that 
year, " it was announced that individuals of Park Street 
Church, Boston, had presented to the First Church in Brook- 
field a ' Bible for the Desk,' in consideration of services ren- 
dered in the revival, by the pastor of the First Church in 
Brookfield, whereupon it was unanimously — 

Resolved, That the church received with lively sentiments of grati- 
tude this expression of Christian kindness and attachment, and cordially 
return their thanks for the same." 

It was further voted that the pastor be requested to transmit 
a copy of this resolution to the donors, and also that it be in- 
serted in the Records of the Church. 

March 21, 1826, Mr. Phelps proposed a dissolution of his 
ministerial relation, in order to accept the position of Principal 
of the Female Classical Seminary which, at that time, and 
for some years, existed and flourished in this place. This re- 
quest being granted, he preached his farewell sermon June 
18th, although the formal dissolution of the pastoral relation 
did not take place until the 25th day of October following. 

Not long afterwards he accepted an invitation to become 
Principal of the Female Seminary at Pittsfield. The pastor 
of the church there being laid aside by sickness, Mr. Phelps 
was placed in charge of the pulpit. There followed almost 
immediately an extensive work of grace, during which, it was 
judged, at least three hundred souls were converted to Christ. 
Encouraged by this seal of the divine blessing upon his preach- 
in o-, he was led at once to sunder his connection with the 
Seminary, and in 1829, he accepted a call to the Presbyterian 
Church, Geneva, New York, where he had a most successful 



27 

pastorate of six years, during which time more than four hun- 
dred members were added to the church. An attack of cliolera 
in 18o4 so for broke down his constitution, and impaired his 
Iiealth, that he was compelled, at length, to relinquish his 
charge, and retire from the active duties of the ministry. In 
the autumn of the following year he was elected Correspond- 
ing Secretary of the American Education Society for the 
Southern field, with his residence in Philadelphia ; the duties 
of which office he continued to discharge till 1847, and the 
next year removed to Stratford, Connecticut, where he hoped 
to spend his days in retirement. But less than three years 
afterwards, he returned to Philadelphia, where he continued, 
preaching, much of the time, for some years, though without 
a charge. x\t present he is residing with one of his sons in 
Jersey City, New Jersey, where he enjoys " good health " 
and " great comfort and peace of mind " in the seventy-eighth 
year of his age. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
ferred upon him in 1842 by his own AlmnJNIater. 

The publications of Dr. Phelps are, a Sermon preached at 
the funeral of Judge Dwight Foster In Brookfield, 1823 ; an 
Oration delivered on the 4th of July at Geneva, New York, 
1832 ; a Tract entitled " Lydia Sturtevant, or The Fatal Res- 
olution," 1833 ;* three Adresses, delivered respectively at 
New York, Boston, and Detroit ; and a number of articles In 
the Philadelphia Observer of whose editorial department Dr. 
Phelps had charge for about two years. 

The same day on which Mr. Phelps was dismissed, (Octo- 



*A prize tract, one of ten to which prizes of 950 each were awarded out of 
more than five hundred competitors. It iiad a sale of 140,000 witiiin tlic first 
six months. It is a true narrative of a case that occurred in Brookfield during 
his ministry here. 



28 

ber 25, 1826,) the sixth pastor, Eev. Joseph I. Foot was or- 
dained. Mr. Foot was born November 17, 1796, at Water- 
town, Connecticut ; was graduated at Union College in 1821, 
and studied theology at Andover Seminary. At his ordination 
Rev. Thomas Snell, D. D. of North Brookfield made the in- 
troductory prayer ; the sermon was preached from I. Corinth- 
ians 3 : 6, by Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D., President of Am- 
herst College ; consecrating prayer, by Rev. Micah Stone of 
Brookfield, South Parish ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. Tim- 
othy M. Cooley, D. D. of Granville ; right hand of fellowship, 
by Rev. Munson Gaylord of Western (Warren) ; charge to 
the people, by Rev. John Fiske of New Braintree ; and con- 
cluding prayer, by Rev. Eliakim Phelps, former pastor. 

A powerful work of grace soon followed the labors of the 
new pastor, and the year 1827 is one of the memorable revival 
years in our history. During that year seventy-six were ad- 
mitted to the church on profession of faith. 

After a pastorate of five and a half years, in which time ONE 
HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO wcre added to the church, of 
whom twenty-five united by letter, Mr. Foot was dismissed, 
at his own request, May 1, 1832. 

The following year he assumed the charge of the church 
in Salina, New York, where he labored two years. In 1835 
he accepted a call from the church in Cortland in the same 
state, and continued his labors there till 1837. He accepted 
an invitation to the pastorate of the church in Knoxville, 
Tennessee, in 1839 ; and, two months afterward, was chosen 
President of Washington College in that state. In the fol- 
lowing March he received from the College the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity. " On Monday, the 20th of April, 1840, 
as he was riding to Washington College to be inaugurated 



29 

pi'esident, his horse took fright as he was descending a hill, 
and he was violently thrown against a rock ; by which oc- 
currence three of his ribs were broken, and his lungs pierced 
by the splinters. He lingered in great distress for twenty- 
two hours. On the next day, at 4 o'clock, P. M., the day 
before his expected inauguration, he expired in the forty- 
fourth year of his age." 

Mr. Foot's "Historical Discourse on Brookficld," delivered 
on the day of the annual Thanksgiving, November 27, 1828, 
and subsequently published with a valuable Appendix of 
forty-eight pages, is a lasting monument of his faithful re- 
search, and a rare acquisition to the annals of this ancient 
town. 

The seventh pastor was Kev. Francis Horton. He was 
born in Boston, November 29, 1803 ; prepared for college 
chiefly under the instruction of Rev. Enoch Pond of Ward, 
now better known as Dr. Pond, Professor at Bangor, (Me.) 
Theological Seminary, and was graduated at Brown Univer- 
sity in 1828. He studied theology with Rev. S. Holmes of 
New Bedford ; was approbated to preach by the Old Colony 
Association, and ordained December 2, 1829, at Dartmouth, 
Massachusetts, where he labored in the ministry about two 
years. He was installed pastor of this church August 15, 
1832, three months and a half from the day of Mr. Foot's dis- 
mission. The Council met for the examination of the candi- 
date the previous evening, and organized by the choice of 
Rev. John Fiske of New Braintree, moderator, and Rev. 
Joseph S. Clark of Sturbridge, scribe. The installation ser- 
vices occurred the next day in the forenoon, a prayer-meeting 
having been held the same morning at sunrise, with reference 
to the occasion. The parts performed were as follows : prayer 



30 

by Eev. Augustus B, Reed of Ware, First Church ; sermon 
by Rev. Thomas Snell, D. D. of Korth Brookfield ; installing 
prayer by Rev. John Fiske of New Bralntree ; charge to the 
pastor by Rev. Joseph Vaill of Brimfield ; right hand of fel- 
lowship by Rev. John Wilder of Charlton ; charge to the peo- 
ple by Rev, Micah Stone of Brookfield, South Parish ; con- 
cluding prayer by Rev. Charles Fitch of Western (now 
Warren). Other churches represented in the Council were 
Ware (East) and Millbury. 

The relation thus happily formed continued for nine years 
and one month, when by mutual council, at Mr. Horton's 
own request, it was dissolved September 15, 1841. The 
winter following he spent at the South, for the benefit of his 
health. 

In 1843 he was elected pastor of the Orthodox Congrega- 
tional Church in West Cambridge, and retired from that of- 
fice in 1854. Early in the year 1856, he received a call to 
the pastoral care of the church in Barrington, Rhode Island, 
which was duly accepted ; and there his labors are still con- 
tinued. He has published " A Biography of Jane Bailey," 
and " Fire-Side Lectures for Sabbath Evenings." 

During the ministry of Mr. Horton here, the church was 
greatly blessed and strengthened. One hundred and 
NINETY were added to the church, of whom one hundred 
and forty were received on profession of faith. Two seasons 
of deep and special religious interest were enjoyed, — in 1835 
and 1839. But the year 1835 deserves especially to be com- 
memorated as one of " the years of the right hand of the Most 
High," when God poured out his Spirit mightily, and gra- 
ciously turned the feet of many into the way of life. In that 
one year, eighty-nine made a public profession of their faith. 



31 

and united with the church. This seems to have been a cul- 
minating point in the prosperity and growth of the church. 
Tlie largest membership that the churcli has ever had was at 
the close of the year 1835, after all the sheaves of that pre- 
cious harvest had been gathered in. There were, at that time, 
three hundred and eighty-one members. By frequent " times 
of refreshing from the presence of the Lord " the church, for 
many years, previously, had been very perceptibly increasing 
in numbers, beyond all the annual losses from deaths and re- 
movals. For instance, Mr. Phelps found the church in 1816 
with two hundred and thirty-six members ; saw that number 
swelled to three hundred and forty within three years ; and 
left the church in 1826 with a membership of two hundred 
and ninety, — a total gain, during his pastorate, of fifty-four. 
Mr. Foot immediately took the church with two hundred and 
ninety members ; saw it increased within two years to three 
hundred and sixt^^-six ; and left it in 1832 with a membership 
of three hundred and forty-two, — a gain, during his entire 
pastorate, of fifty-two. Mr. Horton found the church with 
three hundred and thirty-six members ; and was permitted, 
in a little more than three years, to see the number rise to 
three hundred and eighty-one. But from that time, notwith- 
standing the revival of 1839 brought an accession of twenty- 
nine members, the yearly losses more than balance the gains, 
so that Mr. Ilorton left the church in 1841 with a member- 
ship of three hundred and forty-five, — a total gain of only 
nine, or one member for each year of his pastorate ; although 
it should be said that the average yearly losses by death and 
ordinary dismission, during those nine years, were very un- 
usually great. 

From the year 1835 onwards, the records show a gradual 



32 

decrease in the membership of the church for a period of nearly 
thirty years ; * though not all of those years, by any means, 
were without some cheering tokens of the divine blessing. 
The cause of this lapse into spiritual coldness, and of this long 
decline will soon appear. 

Four months after the dismission of Mr. Horton, January 
12, 1842, the eighth pastor was settled. Rev. Moses Chase. 
The brief period of Mr. Chase's pastorate forms a black 
chapter in the history of this church, the particulars of 
which it would neither be pleasant nor profitable to recall. 
Suffice it to say that the troubles and distresses of that most 
unhappy period grew out of the fierce antagonisms that 
were engendered by the new anti-slavery movements of the 
time. The conservative wing of the church, headed by a 
strong-willed, disputatious, and not over discreet pastor, 
arrayed against a less number of earnest, determined, and 
somewhat excited radicals, will indicate, in a word, the pain- 
fnl attitude of affairs. The strife at first heated, soon be- 
came bitter, and even violent. The church seemed almost 
wholly to have forgotten her covenant with God and with 
each other ; and God would appear well-nigh to have for- 
saken the church. 

It is unnecessary to say that the cause of religion languished 
here ; the heart of this people " waxed gross ; " their ears grew 
" dull of hearing ;" and the Lord's chosen became " an aston- 
ishment and a hissing " in the community, — until, at length, the 
state of things became so intolerable that the church, failing 
to secure the concurrence of the pastor in the calling of a 
Mutual Council, was obliged to resort to the extraordinaiy 

* For a complete table of the annual accessions and removals, from the year 
1816 to the present time (1867) see Appendix, Note III. 



33 

measure of an Ex-parte Council, by whose advice Mr. Chase 
was dismissed October 28, 1843, after a dreary pastorate of 
twenty-one and a half tempestuous months. 

Although since those unpropltious years, God, in great 
mercy, has revisited his people, and sent upon them repeat- 
edly the refreshing showers of his grace, yet, of the deplor- 
able evils entailed upon the church by the hot haste and rash 
measures of that stormy period, some unwelcome traces are 
visible to this day, after the lapse of a quarter of a century. 

But while we remember with unfeigned grief, the sore 
misfortunes which then befell the church, it affords us £rreat 
gratification, and is an occasion of devout thankfulness to God, 
that previous to that time, through the long succession of one 
hundred and twenty-five years, the church had enjoyed almost 
an unbroken peace. To an unusual degree, this church and 
community had borne the character of a united, happy, and 
prosperous people. Dr. Phelps, alluding to the time when he 
entered upon his ministry here, says : — " The church and par- 
ish had long been distinguished for the peace, quiet, and harmo- 
ny which had existed among themselves. It was often said to 
me, by ministers and others, that they regarded West Brook- 
field as the best congregation in the country. They were pro- 
verbially a ministerial people ; and I found them so during the 
whole of my residence among them." Let us hope that such 
is to be our record in the years and generations to come. 

For a short time after Mr. Chase's dismission, he minis- 
tered to a portion of the church and congregation who wor- 
shiped in what was called Mr. Lamson's Hall. But, in less 
than a year, we find the church again united in harmonious 
action with reference to the settlement of another minister. 

As regards the personal history of Mr. Chase, I have ut- 



34 

terly failed to obtain any satisfactory information. Whence he 
came, where he was educated, whither he went, and whether 
or not he now survives, has not been definitely ascertained. 
He is believed, however, still to be living with his family at 
Plattsburgh, New York. 

The ninth pastor was Rev. Leonard S. Parker. He was 
born December 6, 1812, at Dunbarton, New Hampshire; 
fitted for college at the Boston Latin School, and entered 
Dartmouth College in 1882 ; but, on account of ill health, left 
before the time of graduation. In both of these institutions, 
as a scholar he ranked first in his class. He studied four 
years at Oberlin Collegiate Institute; was approbated to 
preach by the Lorain County Association, Ohio, in 1837, 
and was ordained as an Evangelist at Fitchville, Ohio, De- 
cember 16, of the same year. He was installed first pastor 
of the Congregational Church in Mansfield, Ohio, September 
9, 1838, where he continued a little more than two years. 
December 28, 1840, he was installed pastor of High Street 
Church, Providence, Rhode Island and was dismissed by 
reason of failure of health, October 9, 1843. He was in- 
stalled pastor of this church December 19, 1844. The public 
exercises were as follows : — 

Invocation and reading of the Scriptures by Rev. (now Dr.) 
Nahum Gale of the East Congregational Church, Ware ; 
sermon by Rev. Thomas Snell, D. D. of North Brookfield ; 
installing prayer by Rev. John Fiske, D. D. of New Brain- 
tree ; charge to the pastor by Rev. D. R. Austin of Sturbridge ; 
right hand of fellowship by Rev. Lyman Whiting of Brook- 
field (South Parish) ; address to the people by Rev. Levi 
Packard of Spencer ; and concluding prayer by Rev. James 
Kimball of Oakham. 



35 

Mr. "Parker's ministry here Avas begun under the most 
trvino; and discouraging circumstances. He found both 
the church and the society rent in twain on the subject 
of slavery, and the Avhole community in a pitiable state 
of agitation. Among his first acts as pastor was the in- 
troduction of a series of resolutions upon slavery, condemn- 
ing in the strongest terms that system of oppression as 
" a flagrant sin in the sight of God, and an enormous injury 
to man." These resolutions were adopted by the church, 
January IG, 1845. 

But the fires of passion could not in a moment be stayed. 
It was a time of " strong delusion " in this whole region of 
country. Under the cloak of zeal against the system of slav- 
ery, a fierce attack was made in many quarters upon the sa- 
cred institutions of religion. Conventions professedly called 
in the interests of anti-slavery^ partook largely of the char- 
acter of anti- Christian conventions. The Bible was sub- 
jected to an unfair criticism ; the sanctity of the Sabbath 
called in question ; the Church grossly slandered, and the 
Ministry maligned. 

It was in this, as in too many churches of the Common- 
wealth, a time of great spiritual dearth. From July 7, 1839, 
to November 1, 184G, a period of more than seven years, in- 
cluding the last two years of the ministry of Mr. Horton, the 
whole of the ministry of Mr. Chase, and nearly the first two 
years of the ministry of Mr. Parker, there was not one addition 
to the church by profession. Xo other such period can be 
shown in our entli'e history ; no time half so dark, distressing 
and mournful for the cause of Christ and the prosperity of 
Zion. But, thanks to Sovereign Grace under the gentle and 
discreet administration of Mr. Parker rancor of feeling was 



36 

greatly subdued, and happier days began to break upon this 
sadly divided and sorely afflicted people. 

In the latter part of 1846, four persons made a profession of 
their faith, and joined the church. In 1848 there came a 
refreshing which must have been truly delightful after the 
barrenness of the preceding years, and nineteen were gathered 
into the church as the fruit. The total accession to the church, 
during Mr. Parker's pastorate, was sixty-eight, of whom 
twenty-seven were admitted on profession. He was dismissed 
April 7, 1851, having held the pastoral office a little more 
than six years. 

He was installed pastor of the Winter Street church, Hav- 
erhill, June 1, 1853 ; and was dismissed March 26, 1860. 
The following year, February 20, he was installed over the 
First Church in Derry, New Hampshire, where he yet re- 
mains. 

The publications of Mr. Parker, aside from stated corres- 
pondence for the weekly religious press, are ; " Thoughts 
on Temperance," Providence, 1841 ; " A Farewell Sermon," 
Providence, 1843 ; " A Plea for Missions," West Brookfield, 
1846 ; "A Good Name " — two Discourses addressed to the 
Young Men of West Brookfield, 1848 ; and " A Sermon on 
the day of the Annual State Fast," Derry, 1865. 

The church remained without a pastor for about a year 
and a half, when the tenth pastor, Eev. Swift Byington, suc- 
ceeded to the office. He was ordained and installed here 
November 17, 1852. The council was composed of messengers 
from the churches in New Braintree, North Brookfield, Brook- 
field, Warren, Ware Village, Spencer, Oakham, Old South 
Church, Reading, and Pine Street Church, Boston ; also Rev. 
Messrs. Gilbert and Grannis of West Brookfield. 



37 

The ordination services were as follows : — Invocation and 
readinnj of the Scriptures by Kev. T. G. Colton of Ware 
Village ; prayer by Rev. John Fiske, D. D. of New Braintree ; 
sermon by Rev. (now Dr.) Henry M. Dexter of Boston ; 
ordaining prayer by Rev. Levi Packard of Spencer; charge 
to the pastor by Rev. Lyman Whiting of Reading ; right 
hand of fellowship by Rev. C. Gushing, colleague pastor 
North Brookfield ; address to the people by Rev. Thomas 
Snell, D. D. of North Brookfield ; and concluding prayer by 
Rev. James Kimball of Oakham. 

]Mr. Byington was born in Bristol, Connecticut, February 
4, 1824 ; studied at East Hartford, Connecticut, Philadelphia 
and Providence, Pennsylvania, as a boy ; fitted for college 
with Rev. Merrill Richardson, now of Worcester ; and was 
graduated at Yale College in 1847. His Theological studies 
were pursued at New Haven and Andover ; and he received 
his license to preach at East Haddam, Connecticut, in 1849, 
Although his whole ministry here was, he says, " an effort 
not to reap, but to sow deeply good seed," yet it pleased the 
Lord of the harvest to permit him to see at least some of the 
fruits of his own faithful labors. At two different seasons, 
particularly, there were cheering indications of the Spirit's 
presence and power, when God crowned his efforts with suc- 
cess, and gave him souls for his hire. In 1854 fifteen^ and in 
1858, — the last year of his ministry, — seventeen^ were added 
to the church on profession of faith ; and, during the six 
years in which he ministered to this people, the church re- 
ceived an aggregate of seventy members, forty-six of whom 
united by profession. At his own request, the pastoral 
relation was dissolved November 1, 1858. After leavinfj 
this place, he preached in North ambridge six months. 



38 

three years in North Woburn, and served one year as 
acting colleague pastor with Dr. Blagden, of the Old South 
Church, Boston. In 1864, July 6, he was installed pastor 
of the Cono^reo-ational Church in Stoneham, where he still 
continues to labor. 

"Within eight months from the dismission of Mr. By- 
ingtou, the eleventh pastor, Rev. Christopher M. Cordley, 
was settled. He was born in Oxford, England, January 
2, 1821 ; removed at an early age to Nottingham, and, 
when about twelve years old, emigrated with his parents 
to this country, while emploj-ed as clerk of a store in Ann 
Arbor, Michigan, he prepared himself, wdth little help from 
others, for "Western Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio, at 
which institution he was graduated in 1844 with the high- 
est honors of his class. Having devoted the next three 
years to the study of theology at New Haven and An- 
dover, he spent the winter of 1847 and 1848 in preaching 
at Montreal, Canada. In August 1849 he was ordained in 
Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and was called from the pas- 
torate of that church to "West Randolph, Massachusetts, 
where he was installed in March, 1852, and whence he was 
dismissed in November, 1858. He was installed pastor of 
this church June 28, 1859. 

The services of the installation were as follows : Invoca- 
tion and reading of the Scriptures by Rev. William. H. 
Beecherof North Brookfield, (Union Church) ; prayer by 
Rev. A. E. P. Perkins of Ware ; sermon by Rev. R. S. 
Storrs, D. D. of Braintree; installing prayer by Rev. 
Martin Tupper of Hardwick; charge to the pastor by 
Rev. Joseph Vaill, D. D. of Palmer; right hand of fellow- 
ship by Rev. C. Cashing of North Brookfield; address to 



39 

the people by liev. Swift Byington, former pastor; con- 
cluding prayer by Rev. S. S. Smith of Warren. 

The ministry of Mr. Cordley here was brief, and not 
altogether happy. He retired from the pastoral office, 
June 23, 1862, three years, wanting five days, from the 
day of his installation, during which time there were 
THIRTY-EIGHT acccssious to tlic church, of whom eight only 
were admitted upon profession. But, during his short 
pastorate, Mr. Cordley rendered the church an exceed- 
ingly important service. 3y untiring patience and untold 
labor, such as none but a man of his energy would ever 
have consented to endure, and with characteristic accuracy 
and ingenuity, he prepared and published a complete cat- 
alogue of the members of this church, with an alphabet- 
ical index, from the year 1758 to 1861, embracing the 
entire period concerning which we have anything that 
can be called records. 

By the aid of this catalogue, we can easily find out the 
full name of almost every person who has united with this 
church, whether by profession or by letter, during the last 
hundred years: when and whence each was received, and 
when and how dismissed, together with dates of marriages 
and deaths. Considering the meagreness of our early rec- 
ords, the work thus accomplished is a marvel. It is 
something which not one man in ten thousand would ever 
have undertaken, or, if they had undertaken, would ever 
have completed. It will long stand a witness of his per- 
severing industry. It has proved of essential service in 
the preparation of the present discourse ; and it is not too 
much to say that by the production of that catalogue Mr. 
Cordley conferred upon the church a lasting benefit, for 



40 

which his name deserves to be had in perpetual remem- 
brance by successive generations. 

From this place he went to Lawrence, Massachusetts, 
and was installed pastor of the Central Church in that city 
in October, 1862 ; where, after a protracted and painful 
illness, he died June 26, 1866, aged forty-five years. Mr. 
Cordley was a man of exceeding independence of mind, 
of inflexible firmness, and of great daring. By his breth- 
ren in the ministry he was highly esteemed as an able 
and faithful minister, an accomplished scholar, an earnest 
Christian, and a man of rare personal worth. 

From a manuscript biographical sketch and obituary, 
prepared by Professor Park of Andover, soon after Mr. 
Cordley's decease, and to which I am indebted for most 
of the facts already presented in relation to his personal 
history, I take the following extract having reference to 
the last sickness of our departed brother: — "In the prog- 
ress of his disease, his trust in his Redeemer remained 
unfaltering, and he moved forward like a brave soldier 
with the assurance that the last enemy that shall be de- 
stroyed is death. His mind was often wandering, but the 
name of Jesus would call it back to its old paths. In his 
delirium he would be sometimes agitated, but the voice of 
prayer would soothe him into rest ; and when the halls of 
his reason seemed to be left vacant, one of the sweet songs 
of Zion would call his reason back to its deserted home." 

The present pastor was graduated at Yale College in 
1860 ; studied theology two years at Union Seminary, 
New York, and a third year at Andover, where he was 
graduated in 1863. On the 12th, of April of that year, — 
four months previous to graduation, — he commenced to 



4] 

preach in this pulpit, and from that time, for nearly a year 
and a half, continued to act as stated supplj' till the day 
of his ordination as pastor October -t, 18G4, a call having' 
been extended the previous March. The council was or- 
ganized by the choice of Rev. C. Gushing, moderator, 
and Rev. J. Coit, scribe. The public services of ordination 
were as follows: — Invocation by Rev. John H. Gurney of 
New Braintree ; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. E. L. 
Jaggar of "Warren ; prayer by Rev. F. iST. Peloubet of 
Oakham ; sermon by Rev. E. C. Jones of Southington, 
Connecticut ; ordaining prayer by Rev. L. S. Parker of 
Derry, 'New Hampshire ; charge to the pastor by Rev. 
Luther Keene of North Brookfield; right hand of fellow- 
ship by Rev. Joshua Coit of Brookfield ; address to the 
people by Rev. Swift Byington of Stoneham ; and con- 
cluding prayer by Rev. Francis Horton of Barrington, 
Rhode Island. 

These last years have been crowned with God's good- 
ness in a peculiar manner, and have been freighted with 
most precious blessings to the church. As already intima- 
ted, for nearly thirty years previous to 1864, the member- 
ship of the church steadily diminished. Although within 
that time, there were, as we have seen, several happy sea- 
sons of spiritual quickening, yet those revivals were not 
of sufficient extent and power to repair the ordinary yearly 
waste from removals and deaths ; so that on January 1, 
1864, the church had become reduced to two hundred and 
twenty-nine members. By the decease and dismission of 
several, and by the erasure of some twenty-five names of 
persons who had been many years absent and unreported, 

this number was still further reduced to one Imndred and 
6 



42 

ninety-one, which was the membership of the church when 
the present pastor was ordained.* 

In the winter of 1863 and 1864 God kindly poured out 
His spirit in gentle and delightful showers, which con- 
tinued to be distilled upon us through the succeeding 
spring, and into the summer, so that on the first Sabbath 
in ITovember 1864, at the first communion after his ordi- 
nation, and the first time he ever ofliciated at the Lord's 
table, the pastor had the undeserved privilege of welcom- 
ing iwcnty-jive persons, — mostly young, — to the sacra- 
mental cup and loaf, and the happy fellowship of believers. 
As the fruit of that revival, or of the interest awakened 
and continued by it, eighteen more were subsequently re- 
ceived, making in all forty-three. But the revival of the 
present year is especially worthy of record. A short time 
previous to the Week of Prayer, — the first week in Jan- 
uary — there were some signs of increasing fervor and ex- 
pectancy on the part of the church. The Week of Prayer 
was observed by holding meetings in rotation in the several 
districts of the town, at each of which a number of breth- 
ren from the other districts, with the pastor, were present. 
By these meetings, and the accompanying personal efibrts, 
the religious interest was quite sensibly increased, and the 
attention of a few impenitent persons arrested. This in- 
terest continued very gradually to deepen and extend with 
most happy results, until the middle of March, when the 
revival was greatly promoted by a Protracted Meeting 
commencing on Wednesday, March 13, and continuing 
three days, during which the pastor received efiacient co- 

*See Appendix, Note IV, 



43. 

operation and aid from his brethren in the ministry from 
neighboring towns. 

This meeting was followed, on the succeeding Saturday 
and Sunday, by the earnest and judicious labors of Rev. 
I. P. Langworthy of Chelsea ; who also assisted the pastor 
on one subsequent Sabbath. By the signal blessing of 
God upon the direct, pungent preaching, upon the frequent 
prayer meetings, inquiry meetings, and extraordinary per- 
sonal efforts, of that memorable week, many became 
anxious for the salvation of their souls, and not a few 
found peace at the cross. From that time onward, for 
many gracious weeks, the spirit of God moved upon this 
people with a mighty energy. Great fear came on many, 
and among them some who had long rebelled against God, 
and had even denied the truths of revelation. Religion 
was the almost universal topic of conversation ; and this 
whole community felt the pulse of a quickened life. 

As the rich fruit of this work of grace sixty-three per- 
sons, of an average age of thirty-four years, have already 
connected themselves with the church b}^ profession. Of 
ihQQQ ffty-one were received on the first Sabbath in July — 
a day long to be remembered, — thirty-five are heads of 
families, nine of whom are above sixty years of age, and 
one is more than seventy years. 

The whole number received into the church during the 
three years of the present pastorate is one hundred and 
TJIIRTY-Two, of whom one hundred and six were on pro- 
fession of faith. The membership of the church, at this 
time, is three hundred and two. The oldest surviving mem- 
ber is ninety-four years old, the youngest, twelve. 

Respecting the whole number who have belonged to the 



44 

church from its first existence, of those who were received 
during the first forty years of our history, only forty-seven 
names have heen saved from oblivion. Since the year 
1758, there have been admitted one thousand two hundred 
and ninety-eight different persons, making a total cata- 
logue at the present time, of one thousand three hundred 
and forty-jive names. Of this number, so near as can be 
determined, not more than six hundred and fifty are 
living to-day. More than half have already passed on 
into eternity. 

THE DEACONS OF THE CHURCH. 

Deacon Henry Gilbert stands at the head of the list. He 
is supposed to have been a descendant of Sir Humphrey 
Gilbert, who was an English navigator, and half-brother of 
Sir Walter Raleigh, born in Dartmouth in 1539, and some- 
times called the "father of western colonization." He was, 
undoubtedly, the first man who received the office of deacon 
in this church. By special vote passed December 14, 1721, he 
was privileged to occupy, in the then new meeting-house, " a 
pue next to y- ministry pue." He was probably among the 
pioneer settlers of Brookfiekl, and was evidently one of the 
foremost men of the place in his day ; for we find him often 
associated with Hon. Jedediah Foster as a leader in the more 
important measures of Town and Church at that early period. 
He died August 17, 1740. 

Deacon John Gilbert, son of Deacon Henry Gilbert, ap- 
pears also to have held the office from the first year of the 
existence of the church. The second vote that appears upon 
the church records now extant, bearing date May 14, 1758, 
relates to him ; when it was " Voted to send to assist in the 



45 

ordination of Mr. Nathan Fiske. Mr. Jedediah Foster and 
Deacon Gilbert were chosen delegates." This is the first 
mention made of a deacon on our existing records. He con- 
tinned in the office for half a century, resigning October 14, 
1767, one hundred years ago almost to a day. Pie died June 
12, 1779, aged ninety. He was undoubtedly the man who 
occupied what is called " Gilbert's Fort." 

Joshua Dodge, though called deacon, probably never held 
that office in this church. The earliest vote of the church 
that has come down to us, is dated May 12, 1758, and is 
in the words following: — " Voted that Joshua Dodge, a mem- 
ber of y® church of England, shall have y^ privilege of occa- 
sional communion." Thirteen years later, in 1771, by special 
permission, he was also allowed " to act with y^ church in y° 
choice of a minister," he having " promised that he would be 
at proportionable charges with the people." lie died April 
23, 1793, at the age of ninety-two. 

Deacon Joseph Jennings is mentioned as early as 1721. On 
December 14 of that year the town voted that he " have a 
pue next to Deacon Henry Gilbert's." 

Deacon Comfort Barnes died January 17, 1748, aged forty- 
two years. 

Deacon John Cutler. The date of his election to the office 
in this church cannot be determined, but his name appears, 
May 28, 1752, among the twenty-six male signers of the cov- 
enant at the organization of the Second Church of Christ in 
Broolvfield, now the First Church in North Brookfield. In 
December 1753, he was chosen first deacon of that church.* 



* Dr. Snell's " Historical and Centennial Discourses," p. 28, 2'J, and his 
Appendix, (C). 



46 

He is supposed shortly afterwards to have removed from the 
town ; but when or where he died has not been ascertained. 

Deacon Jedediah Foster, was born at Andover, Massachu- 
setts ; was graduated at Harvard University in 1744, and 
shortly after settled in Brookfield. He was elected deacon 
October 18,1759. The record of this date reads: — "At a 
church meeting Jedediah Foster, Esq., was made choice of for 
a deacon. Suspended his answer till y*' church consented to 
introduce Tate and Brady's Psalms upon trial : then gave it in 
the affirmative." Deacon Foster was not only the chief man 
of his time in matters of Church and Town, but also stood in 
the front rank of the men of the Commonwealth and Country. 
In 1751 he was appointed Major of forces raised for the defence 
of the country against the threatened invasion of the French. 
He was a member of the "Provincial Congress," and, when 
hostilities commenced with Great Britain, he was elevated to 
the office of Colonel. In 1755, he became a member of the 
Supreme Council, and afterward Judge of Probate and of the 
Supreme Court. In March, 1779, in the Convention at Cam- 
bridge, he was a member of the Committee chosen for the 
purpose of drafting a Constitution. Through his life, he 
enjoyed the confidence of the inhabitants of this Town and 
County, perhaps beyond any man who ever lived here, unless 
it be his own son, the Hon. D wight Foster, who held succes- 
sively and with honor the offices of High Sheriff of Worcester 
County, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Mem- 
ber of Congress, and United States Senator. Yonder hill 
which bears his name is not more enduring than the fame 
and deeds of him who lived upon it. He resigned his office 
as deacon December 12, 1776, and died three years later, Oc- 
tober 17, 1779, aged fifty-five. Dr. Nathan Fiske, pastor of 



47 

the Third Church in Brookficld (South Parish), preached his 
funeral sermon, which was published. AVith great difficulty- 
one can now decipher upon the time-worn stone that marks his 
resting-place in the Old Burying Ground, the inscription : — 

" The boast of Heraldry, the pomp of Power, 

'' And all that Wisdom, all that Wealth e'er gave, 

" Await alike the inevitable hour ; 

" The Paths of Glory lead but to the Grave." 

Deacon Thaddeus Cutler united with this church Novem- 
ber 1, 1761, and was elected deacon March 13, 1763. On 
September 20, 1767, he declined to continue longer in that 
office, when thanks for past services were voted him by the 
church. Scarcely more than three months after being relieved 
from his official duties, he was released from earth. He died 
January 2, 1768. 

Deacon Othniel Gilbert became a member of this church 
September 7, 1766, and was chosen deacon October 14, 1767. 
In November 1788, " on account of Infirmity of Body," he re- 
tired from the office, having discharged its duties twenty-one 
years. He died February 6, 1795, in the sixty-eighth year of 
his age. 

Deacon Thomas Kich was received into this church by 
letter from New Braintree in 1759, and was made deacon 
October 14, 1767. Six or eight years later he removed to 
Western (Warren), where he died February 16, 1803, aged 
seventy-four. 

Deacon Joseph Cutler was " descended from Sir Gervase 
Cutler, of Norfolkshire, England, three of whose sons, accord- 
ing to tradition, came over to this country previous to 1640," 
and was father of the late Plon. Pliny Cutler, who, for many 
years, was a successful merchant in Boston, and a deacon of 



48 

the Old South Church in that city, and who died in this town 
August 14, of the present year. He united with this church 
May 23, 1762. He was chosen deacon October 9, 1776, and 
" took ye matter under consideration." He signified his ac- 
ceptance of the office not till December 12, of the same year, 
on the resignation of Judge Foster. " His views and habits 
were of the strict Puritan stamp. All work of man and beast 
upon his farm ceased on Saturday afternoon, an hour before 
sunset ; the men shaved themselves and prepared for holy time 
before the sun went down ; the work within doors was also 
completed, even to the preparing of the food for the following 
day ; and from the going down of the sun on the eve of the 
Sabbath to the going down of the sun on the Sabbath day, no 
work, excepting that of absolute necessity and mercy, not even 
the making of a bed nor the sweeping of a room, was allowed. 
The whole time was devoted to rest, and to the solemn duties 
of religion. Although he lived three miles from the place of 
worship, yet he was ever promptly there, with all his family, 
morning and afternoon ; neither heat, nor cold, nor storm, be- 
ing able to turn his steadfast steps from the sanctuary of 
God." * At his own request, " on account of age, and infirm- 
ity of body," he was released from the duties of his office June 
20, 1809, and died August 20, 1825, aged eighty-six. Upon 
his tombstone we read : — 

" In God's own arms he left the breath, 

Which God's own Spirit gave, 
His was the noblest road to death, 

And his the sweetest grave." 

Deacon Levi Gilbert united with this church May 28, 1775 ; 
was chosen deacon December 11, 1788 ; and died in office 

*Portraits of Eminent Americans, Vol. I. pp. 327, 328. 



49 

April 5, 1816, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. The slab 
that indicates the place of his burial tells us : — 

" Humble and mock a lowly path ho trod, 
And while he liv'd on earth, he walk'd with God; 
Good without show, obliging without art, 
His speech the faithful language of liis heart ; 
His hope was grace, and his delight was prayer, 
His aim was Heaven ; O ! may we enter there." 

Deacon Samuel Barnes became a member of this church 
November 29, 1789, and was elected deacon June 20, 1809. 
He resigned the office " on account of age and infirmity," 
November 10, 1819, and died January 27, 1833, at the age 
of seventy-five. 

Deacon John Ross united with this church July 16, 1780. 
He was elected to the office of deacon June 20, 1809, and re- 
linquished its duties November 27, 1828. He died October 
16, 1846, aged eighty-seven. 

Deacon Nathan Bucknam Ellis was a son of Asa Ellis, a 
deacon of the church in East Medway, and Margaret Buck- 
nam, a daughter of Rev. Nathan Bucknam, who was pastor 
of the church in East Medway for more than seventy years. 
He removed to this place from East Medway and joined this 
church November 1, 1792. He was chosen deacon July 3, 
1816 ; and died September 6, 1819, in the fifty-sixth year of 
his age. It was he who, in conjunction with others in this 
parish, set up a fulling-mill, and carried on a somewhat ex- 
tensive business for those days, and especially excelled in the 
art of coloring cloth. Whitney* in his History, published 
in 1793, makes special mention of this Company. He says ; 
" About five thousand yards of cloth are annually dressed at 



* History of the County of Worcester, p. 79. 

7 



50 

these works. These men have obtained the art of coloring 
scarlet, which competent judges pronounce equal to any which 
is imported ; an art which few in this Commonwealth have 
attained unto." 

Deacon John Wood united with this church December 7, 
1817, and was chosen deacon November 10, 1819. He re- 
signed the office March 14, 1832, and was dismissed April 7, 
1833, and recommended to the First Presbyterian Church in 
Geneva, New York, at that time under the pastoral care of 
Eev. (now Dr.) Eliakim Phelps. In the Fall of 1835 he re- 
moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and thence, in June, 1837, 
to Iosco, Livingston C®unty, of the same state, where he was 
one of the first settlers, (his son being the first) and the sec- 
ond land owner in the town. The first religious meeting ever 
held in Iosco was held in his house. In the Spring of 1845, 
he removed to the town of Putnam in the same County, and, 
in September following, united with the church in Pinckney, 
of which he was chosen deacon in August 1848, and continued 
in that office until a short time before his death. He died 
> suddenly of heart disease March 23, 1864. His remains sleep 
by the side of those of his wife in Pinckney Church-yard. 

Deacon Josiah Cary, son of Josiah and Mary ( Moulton) 
Cary, was received into this church August 3, 1806, and was 
chosen to the office of deacon November 10, 1819. He re- 
signed March 14, 1832, and in 1835, March 4, his relation 
was transferred to the Presbyterian Church, Princeton, New 
Jersey. In 1838, he removed to New York City, and was 
a member of the family of his son. Rev. J. Addison Cary, 
until the death of the latter in 1852, when he removed to 
Missouri, and lived with his daughter, wife of Rev. A. V. 
Schenck, until his death March 8, 1861. He died at Saint 



51 

Charles, Missouri, " in the full assurance of a blessed immor- 
tality," aged seventy-seven. 

Deacon Alfred White, son of Asa and xlnna White, and a 
lineal descendant in the fifth generation from Peregrine White, 
was born in this town July 25, 1785 ; united with this church 
May 23, 1813 ; and was chosen deacon November 10, 1819. 
Although, for a number of years past, relieved from the active 
duties of the office, he still occasionally officiates at the Lord's 
table. He is one of the oldest surviving members of the 
church, as also among the oldest citizens of the town. But, 
notwithstanding his advanced age, he is an habitual attendant 
upon the public worship of God's house on the Sabbath, and 
is here with us to-day, not an unmoved spectator of these 
commemorative services. An occasion of solemn and tender 
interest, and of grateful recollections, on the 15th of Febru- 
ary last, was the celebration, in the vestry of this church, of 
the sixtieth anniversary of his marriage. 

Deacon William Spooner was one of the fifty-one persons 
who united by profession with this church December 13, 1818. 
He was elected deacon November 27, 1828. He was dis- 
missed April 7, 1833, to the church in Oakham, whence he 
was received again July 30, 1837. In 1851 he removed to 
Springfield, jNIassachusetts, where he died February 13, 1865, 
in his sixty-eighth year. His remains were brought to this 
town, and deposited in the cemetery here, the funeral services 
being conducted in this church. At his grave we read the 
simple, fitting inscription, " There is siveet rest in Heaven.^^ 

Deacon lleuben Blair, Jr., was also among the fifty-one who, 
here in these aisles, united with the church on the same Sab- 
bath, December 13, 1818. He was chosen deacon January 
27, 1833, and died August 2, 1859, aged seventy-four. 



52 

Deacon Jairus Abbott, was received into this church from 
the church in Western (Warren), January 21, 1827, and was 
chosen deacon January 27, 1833. In May 12, 1834, he was 
dismissed to the Evangelical Congregational Church in the 
South Parish (now Brookfield), where he died March 18, 
1850, at the age of threescore and ten years. 

Deacon Josiah Henshaw, son of Josiah and Sarah (Phipps) 
Henshaw, united with this church September 29, 1816, and 
was elected to the office of deacon January 27, 1833. Of an 
ardent temperament, and of radical views and feelings, a warm 
friend of the enslaved negro, an earnest advocate of freedom, 
and impatient of delay, in the anti-slavery excitement of 1840 
and onwards, he was easily led into some errors of opinion and 
indiscretions of conduct, which brought him into unhappy col- 
lision with the majority of the church, resulting, finally, in his 
excommunication, January 26, 1843. 

Deacon Baxter Ellis, son of Deacon Nathan B. and Thank- 
ful (Barritt) Ellis, united with this church in August 1818, 
and was chosen deacon June 16, 1845. He retired from the 
active duties of the office June 5, 1851, and died October 8, 
1866, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

Deacon Jacob Dupee, son of Elias and Abigail Dupee, was 
born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, November 11, 1800. He 
removed to this town in 1827 ; was hopefully converted in 
the revival of 1835, and united with this church May 3, of 
the same year. He was chosen deacon June 16, 1845, and is 
still discharsino; the duties of the office. 

Deacon Liberty Sampson, son of Daniel and Achsah 
(Snow) Sampson, united with this church by profession Jan- 
uary 6, 1839, and was elected to the office June 16, 1845. 
He died October 15, 1858, aged thirty-eight. 



53 

Deacon Solomon L. Barnes, son of Ezra and Lucy (Caruth) 
Barnes, united with this church by letter from Ware (West), 
JNIay 7, 1837. In November 1854 he was chosen deacon, the 
duties of which office he is still performing. 

Deacon Moses Hall, son of Moses and Elizabeth Hall, was 
born in Spencer, Massachusetts, November 4, 1816, and re- 
moved to this town in 1840. In July 1853, he united with 
this church, and was chosen deacon In November of the fol- 
lowing year. On removing from the place, he resigned the 
office, and his resignation was accepted April 9, 1863. He 
was recommended to the Conjrreojational Church in Wethers- 
field, Connecticut, May 31, 1864, whence he was received 
again May 5, 1865.* 

Deacon Samuel Newell White, son of Deacon Alfred and 
Sarah (Gilbert) White, united with this church May 3, 1835, 
and was chosen deacon July 1, 1859. He resigned the office 
February 1, 1867. 

Deacon Enos Gilbert son of Bethuel and Chloe (Hill) Gil- 
bert, united with this church March 3, 1839, and was elected 
deacon April 21, 1865, the church, on the same day, having 
previously voted to limit the term of service to five years.f 
He still retains the office. 

HOUSES OF WORSHIP. 

The first meeting-house in Brookfield was situated on 
Foster's Hill, about half a mile south-east of the house in 
which we are now assembled. It stood on the north side of 
the old road to Brookfield (South Parish), about equally 
distant from the house of the late Mr. Baxter Barnes, and the 
one now owned by Mr. D. PI. Eichardson. 

* He was re-elected deacon November 1, 18C7. 
t This vote was rescinded November 1, 1867. 



54 

What were the dimensions of that rude, primitive structure 
we have no means of determining. It must have been built 
very soon after the first settlement of the town ; for it was as 
early as 1675, on that dread night of August 4th — only fifteen 
years after the original grant was obtained from the General 
Court, — that the meeting-house, sharing the common fate of 
the town, was laid in ashes by the Indians. 

Forty years passed away before another house of worship 
was erected. The place in which the people met during the 
thirty years that elapsed after their return from dispersion by 
the savages, and before the building of the second meeting- 
house, cannot now be ascertained. From their constant ex- 
posure to the attack of Indians, it is conjectured that, accord- 
ing to the customs of isolated settlements at that time, they 
met in some fortified place. As Gilbert's Fort was in the 
centre of the settlement, it seems probable that, for many 
years, the inhabitants gathered there for public worship. 

For a few years previous to the buUding of the second 
meeting-house, however, it is altogether likely that they met 
in a house which stood nearly opposite to the residence of the 
late Mr. Baxter Barnes on Foster's Hill. A building called 
the town-house stood in that place ; and, after the comple- 
tion of the second meeting-house, it was given to Eev, Mr. 
Cheney, on the condition that he would release the town from 
that part of their contract in which they had agreed to build 
him a house. 

The second meeting-house stood on the same site as the first. 

On the 22d of November 1715, " The inhabitants of Brook- 
field agreed with the consent of y® Committee to build a meet- 
ing-house wherein to carry on y® worship of God ; in form 
and manner as followeth : viz. 45 foott in Length, and 35 



55 

foott in wedht ; and to put in Galcry pieces so y' they may 
build Galeries when they shall have ocation ; and to carry 
on the building of s^ house as far as they can conveniently 
with y"^ Labour, and what shall be Required in money for 
y® carrying of s'* work to be Raised by a Town Rate, and 
if any person or persons Refuse to Labour, Having suit- 
able warning by y° Committee Hereafter mentioned, shall 
pay their proportion in ]\Ioney. The Inhabitants Likewise 
agree to gett y^ Timber this AVinter." At the same meet- 
ing the Committee reported that they " unanimously agree 
that the inhabitants build a meeting-house wherein to at- 
tend the worship of God, which shall be sett up and erected 
in said place where formerly the meeting-house was built, 
near old John Ayres' house-lott lying near about the centre 
of the town." 

January 4, 1717, a tax of thirty pounds was voted for glass 
and nails for the meeting-house, and eight pounds for win- 
dow cases, and other public uses. Yet, four years later, the 
house seems not to have been quite completed, for under date 
April 18, 1721, we find the following unique vote, showing 
at least a rather doubtful solicitude for the physical comfort 
of the good deacons' wives of those days : " Granted a pue to 
be built on the left hand of the pulpit to be for the Deacons' 
wives, s"^ wives to set in the pue during their natral life." 

Also, on December 14, of the same year, 

" Voted, That the select men Inv out the land about the meetinf- 
house, as it is Granted upon Ilccord. 

" Voted, To build up the seats in the body of y* meeting-house with 
good strong plain seats. 

" Voted, To build a ministry pue on y" Right hand of y" pulpit, to 
the stairs of y" pulpit, to y" middle stud in y" window. 

" Voted, That Henry Gilbert have a pue next to y° ministry pue. 



56 

" Voted, That Deacon Joseph Jenaings have a pue next to Deacon 
Henry Gilbert's. 

" Voted, That he that hath a pue granted in the meeting-house do 
pay to the town Treasurer forty shillings for each pue by the first day 
of April next coming, or else to forfeit their pues ; and the money so 
paid in to be laid out to finish the meeting-house." 

A careful regard was had, in those times, for age, and social 
rank and worth, as is shown by the following action of the 
town dated January 13, 1727 : 

" Voted, That the Committee y* shall be chosen to seat y*' meeting- 
house shall have regard to age (where it is honourable), and to estate, 
taking y° list y' Mr. Cheney's last Rate was made by for a rule, having 
also regard to men's servicefidness in the town. 

" Voted, That it shall be left to five men to seat the meeting-house. 

" Voted, That Elisha Rice, Samuel Barnes, Joseph Brabrook, Thomas 
Gilbert and Samuel Wheeler be of s*^ Committee to seat y^ meeting- 
House. 

" Voted, That the fore seat in y" front Gallery shall be equal with 
y° third seat in y* Body, and y^ fore seat in y^ side Gallery shall be 
equal with y° fom-th seat in y" Body of y* meeting-house." 

Thus a man's wealth and standing in society were pretty 
accurately indicated by the relative position of the seat which 
he occupied in the house of God, where " the rich and poor 
meet tog ether. ^^ 

About forty years after the second meeting-house was built, 
it would appear to have suffered violence at the hands of some 
evil-minded and lawless men. For in a meeting of the town 
held September 30, 1754, " The question was asked by the 
moderator whether the town will effectually impour a com- 
mittee to prosecute those persons who have demolished the 
meeting-house in the first parish, called the old meeting-house, 
in any Court, General or Executive, to final judgment and 
execution," or take any other measures for the settlement of 
the affair ; which received a negative vote. 



57 

The tliird meeting-house was built in 1755, and stood near 
the spot where we are met to-day. January 22, 1755, the 
first Precint 

Voted to "proceed to Build a meeting-house for Publick Worship 
at the turning of the County Rode near the nortli-east corner of a 
Plow-field belonging to John Barnes, being on the Plain in said first 
Precinct. 

" Voted, That said meetingdiouse be built with timber and wood. 

" Voted, That the meeting-house shall be forty-five feet in length, 
and thirty-five feet in width." 

July 15, 1756, 

" Voted, To sell the pew flour in the meeting-house to the Inhabi- 
tants of s** Precinct, preference to be made to those Persons who pay the 
largest tax, provided they will give as much as others. 

" Voted, That seventeen Pews shall be made upon the flour of said 
meeting-house, and No More, adjoyning to the wall of said house. 

" Voted, That Abner Gilbert be appointed to take Care of the 
Doors and Sweep the meeting-house, and if He except, he shall Sweep 
said house twelve times a year from this time, and oftener if need 
be, and that he shall receive as a reward twelve shilling at the end of 
the year." 

This is the first intimation of the existence of a sexton. 
June 28, 1756— 

" Voted, To build a Pulpit, Deacon's seat, and Ministerial Pew ; also 
to build a body of seats having a Convenient Alley between them, and 
room on the back Side for a tear of Pews between the body of seats and 
the Alley before the Pews in the fruntPartof the meeting-house." 

In September 3, 1759, it was 

" Voted, To sell the front Gallery in the meeting-house to make into 
Pews. 

" Voted, To Build the Gallery stairs, Lay the Gallery floors. Build 
the Brestwork, and three seats in the front, and two seats in each of the 
Side Galereys." 

March 24, 1770, Captain Thomas Gilbert was appointed to 

provide a " Gushing for the pulpit, such as he shall think 

8 



58 

proper, and Charge the Precinct therewith." The luxury of 
a cushion having been introduced into the pulpit, the next 
thing was to put upon the rough interior of their sanctuary a 
higher touch of art. It was voted, November 14, 1761, 
" That the meeting-house shall be Lathed, Plaistered and 
whitewashed at the charge of said Precinct next year." 
Forty pounds were ordered to be raised for that pui-pose. 
As yet no liquid chime of Sabbath bell had broken here the 
stillness of the day of holy rest, or ever spoken its winning 
" welcome to the house of prayer." 

That sweet and soul-awakening sound was reserved for a 
later generation. In a warrant for a meeting, to be held No- 
vember 9, 1789, of "all the freeholders and other Inhabitants 
qualified by law to vote in Town meetings, living within the 
limits of the First Parish," there was an article, — " To see if 
the Parish will grant any money for the purpose of purchas- 
ing a Bell for the use of the Parish." But, at the meeting, 
the matter seems to have been passed over in silence ; no 
action was taken upon it. 

The next year (November 1, 1790) the Parish voted to 
choose a committee of five men to draw a plan for enlarging 
the meeting-house. This committee subsequently reported 
" that eight feet be built at each end of the meeting-house, 
and built into pews, &c.;" but the report was negatived. 
The opinion, doubtless, prevailed that the better policy would 
be to build anew. For, two years afterwards, it was decided 
to repair the old house by simply "patching the Ruff;" and 
at the same time (October 29, 1792,) they voted "to build a 
meeting-house for Publick worship on the land given to the 
first precinct in Brookfield by the late Lieutenant John Barnes 
for that purpose." 



59 

On the 17th of December following, It was agreed " to ex- 
cept one of the Plans for a meeting-house presented by the 
committee chosen for that purpose," and — 

" Voted, That the meeting-house be built by the sale of the pews, 
if the same shall be sufficient, if not, the remaining sum to be assessed 
on the Polls and Estates of the Precinct." 

A committee of seven was chosen to superintend the sale 
of the pews, (as delineated In the plan adopted) and the 
building of the house ; which committee subsequently (Janu- 
ary 29, 1793) repox'ted that they had sold the pews for eleven 
hundred and seven pounds. Arrangements were further 
made for procuring timber and other materials, and March 10, 
1794, it was " voted to set the new meeting-house partly where 
the old one now stands." 

Two months later the parish voted " that the new meeting- 
house stand on flat stones on the soil, as the ground Is now 
staked out, and that the committee ask and provide for as 
many hands as shall be needed for raising the new meeting- 
house." Accordingly, the house in which we hold these serv- 
ices to-day soon began to rise ; was finished the following 
year, and dedicated Xovember 10, 1795, the sermon on the 
occasion being preached by Rev. Enos Hitchcock, D. D. of 
Providence, Bhode Island. The original dimensions of the 
house, as would appear from the plan which it was voted to 
adopt, were, length sixty-three feet, breadth fifty feet. 

The old meeting-house was removed, so as to give place to 
the new, to " the south corner of the " lot of land formerly 
owned by Nathaniel Gilbert, late of Brookfield, deceased," 
and was devoted to town and parish uses. In 1809 It was 
sold at '''"puhlick vendue^^ for the sum of one hundred and 
eighty-six pounds. 



60 

In the Spring of 1798 a second attempt was made to 
procure a bell, but, like the first, resulted in failure. But a 
better success was achieved the following year, when the 
parish raised the sum of four hundred dollars — half by sub- 
scription and half by tax — for the purchase of a Bell and an 
Eight Day Clock for the new meeting-house ; the surplus 
money, should any remain, to be "appropriated to procure 
furniture for the Desk and Desk Window in said meeting- 
house." A bell of six hundred and seventy-one pounds 
weight was duly purchased of Mr. Paul Revere at Boston, 
and was "raised and hung," the whole at an expense of 
three hundred and forty-four dollars and fifty-six cents. For 
lack of funds the project of obtaining a clock was abandoned. 
(A clock, at that period, was an expensive piece of furni- 
ture.) It may be a matter of interest to know that the cost 
of transporting the bell from Boston to Brookfield, a dis- 
tance of seventy miles, in those days of slow locomotion, 
was four dollars and fifty cents — pretty lean wages, one 
would think in these times of inflated currency, as the work 
must have consumed at least two or three days of time for 
man and team. The present bell was purchased in 1855. 
The first introduction of stoves here, as elsewhere, evidently 
did not meet with universal favor. The parish voted, De- 
cember 8, 1818, " to raise the sum of one hundred and fifty 
dollars for the purpose of erecting two stoves in the meeting- 
house." But they immediately reconsidered this action, and 
voted " that individuals belonging to the parish be permitted^ 
if they choose, to place a stove or stoves in the meeting- 
house." How soon thereafter this desideratum was obtained, 
does not appear. 

In 1826 measures were taken to procure an organ, which in 



61 

due time, was accomplished. This instrument was replaced, 
in 1856, by a new and better one, which is still in use. 

In 1838, forty-three years from the time of its erection, 
this house was thoroughly remodeled, at an outlay, apart 
from stoves, chandelier, and other incidentals, of five thousand 
four hundred and sixty-one dollars and sixty-eight cents. It 
was turned around to a right angle with its former position, 
and moved back about a rod in the rear of its original site. 
An addition was also built on each side of the old porch, the 
extent of the building, making the body of the house eighty 
feet in length, with a capacity, including gallery, for eight 
hundred sittings. Instead of the former cupola, a steeple 
ninety-two feet in height was erected, bearing the same vane 
that crowned the old meeting-house. Besides, a projection 
of six feet, with four pillars, was added in front ; a new base- 
ment story was made, sixty-five by fifty-two feet, which, in 
184:0, was finished at a cost, inclusive of furniture for the 
vestry, of four hundred dollars, and divided into two apart- 
ments — one for a Vestry, and the other for a Town-house, 
which continued to be so used until our new and spacious 
Town Hall was completed in the spring of 1860. This 
house, as thus remodeled, was dedicated January 1, 1839. 
The introductory prayer on the occasion was offered by Kev. 
Mr. Smalley, of Worcester ; reading of select portions of 
Scripture by Rev. Micah Stone of South Brookfield ; sermon 
by Rev. Hubbard Winslow of Boston ; prayer of dedication 
by Rev. John Fiske of Xew Braintree ; concluding prayer by 
Rev. Dr. Snell of North Brookfield. 

This house was again thoroughly retouched in 1849, and 
yet other alterations made a few years later, in the early part 
of the ministry of Mr. Byington, through the enterprise and 



62 

energy of the ladies, as evinced by the following : At a 
meeting of the directors of the "Union Society" of West 
Brookfield in the Spring of 1854, it was 

" Voted, That the said Society present, gratuitously, to the parish all 
the improvements they have made in the interior of the meeting-house, 
and embracing the pulpit, fourteen globe lamps, and clock." 

In response to which the parish 

"Resolved, That they accept the same; and that, in consideration of 
the courtesy and generosity of the Union Society in thus presenting 
those valuable and ornamental fixtures, the thanks of the parish be ten- 
dered to said Society, and that this resolve be entered on the records of 
the parish." 

During the present year also, a few hundreds of dollars 
have been expended upon the exterior for painting and other 
needed repairs. The work of thoroughly renovating and 
beautifying the now marred and dingy interior has been re- 
served till after the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary only 
because the anniversary came one year too soon. It is confi- 
dently expected that the year 1868 will find us within a sanc- 
tuary rendered far more elegant and attractive by the intro- 
duction of some of the more modern improvements in church 
architecture. 

MINISTERS FROM THE CHURCH AND PARISH. 

Enos Hitchcock was born in 1744 ; was graduated at 
Harvard College in 1767 ; and was settled as colleague pastor 
with Kev. Mr. Chipman of Beverly, Massachusetts, in 1771, 
where he continued nine years. 

In 1780 he became chaplain in the revolutionary army, 
which office he held till 1783. In that same year, (October 
1st,) he was installed pastor of the Benevolent Congregational 
Church of Christ, in Providence, Rhode Island, which after- 



63 

wards became a Unitarian church. In 1788 he received the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity. In 1802 his heahh failed, and 
on the 27th of February of the following year, consumption 
terminated his life, at the age of fifty-nine, in the twentieth 
year of his ministry at Providence. 

Dr. Plitchcock prepared a catechism, called "The Parent's 
Assistant," and published several books upon education. 
Among his publications is "A Discourse delivered at the 
Ordination of the Rev. Jonathan Gould to the ministerial 
office in the Christian Church, at Standish, September 18, 
1793." He also preached the sermon at the dedication of 
this house, November 10, 1795. 

Joshua Crowell, son of Joshua and Mary (Field) Crowell, 
was born September 15, 1777. His parents were both mem- 
bers of this church until their death. He studied for a time 
at Leicester Academy, and also at Salem. He was converted 
under the labors of Eev. Elijah Bachelor, a Methodist minis- 
ter who preached on circuit at the house of Widow Crowell, 
(Joshua's mother,) on " Ragged Hill ;" soon became a Meth- 
odist itinerant preacher, and labored successfully for a number 
of years in several of the New England States, until 1800, 
soon after which he removed to Ware, where he resided for 
many years, partly engaged in secular pursuits. The last 
few years of his life were spent with his daughter in Stur- 
bridge, where he died July 21, 1858, in the eighty-first year 
of his age, and fifty-seventh of his ministry. He was one 
of the founders and trustees of the Wesleyan Academy, 
Wilbraham. 

Asa Kent was born May 9, 1780. Early consecrated to 
God by a devotedly pious mother, in the hope that he would 
become a preacher of the gospel, at the age of eighteen he 



64 

yielded his heart to Christ ; at twenty-one was licensed to 
exhort, and was immediately employed on the circuit in Ver- 
mont. The following year he was placed on another circuit 
in the same State, and revivals in various places attended his 
labors. Afterwards he was stationed at various points in 
Vermont ; still later in Lynn, Massachusetts, and Bristol, 
Ehode Island. 

In 1814 he was made Presiding Elder over the New Lon- 
don District, which office he held four years. Subsequently 
he preached at several important centers, as Providence, New 
Bedford, Newport, Charlestown, until 1838, when increasing 
infirmities compelled him to abandon the labors of a ministe- 
rial charge. He removed to New Bedford, where he lived, 
beloved and revered, the remainder of his days. 

In 1840 he was chaplain to the house of correction in New 
Bedford, and after that, for four years, preached regularly 
once a Sabbath in some of the churches, and gave instruction 
in a Sabbath school. During his life he often enriched the 
columns of the Methodist religious journals with the produc- 
tions of his ready pen. His days were filled up with useful- 
ness ; and, calmly trusting in the atonement of Christ, he 
died at New Bedford, September 1, 1860, aged eighty. 

Charles Gilbert, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Gilbert, 
was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1801, a classmate and 
intimate friend of Daniel Webster, with whom, after leaving 
college, he used to hold friendly correspondence. But death 
made him an early victim, and he died March 12, 1805, at 
the age of twenty-seven. His grave is in the Old Burying 
Ground. On his tombstone we read : " He had a collegiate 
education ; had completed his theological studies, and com- 
menced a preacher of the Gospel with pleasing prospects 



of success and usefulness ; but they were soon blasted by 
death." 

Caleb Sprague Henry, son of Silas Henry, was born at 
Rutland, Massachusetts, August 2, 1804, and removed with 
his father's family to West Brookfield in iSlo. The main 
facts in his history are to be found in Appleton's New Ameri- 
can Cyclopedia. He was graduated at Dartmouth College in 
1825; studied theology at Andover and New Haven; was 
licensed to preach by the Brookfield Association in 1828, and 
was settled the following year as Congregational minister, at 
Greenfield, Massachusetts. From 1832 to 1835 he was asso- 
ciate pastor with the venerable Dr. Perkins, at West Hart- 
ford, Connecticut. In 1834 he published a pamphlet on the 
"Principles and Prospects of the Friends of Peace." About 
this time he also established a journal called the "American 
Advocate of Peace," which, after the first year, became the 
organ of the American Peace Society. In 1835 he was 
ordained in the Protestant Episcopal Church, by Bishop On- 
derdonk of New York; soon after which he became Professor 
of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy in Bristol Colieo-e, 
Pennsylvania ; which position he retained until 1837, when 
he removed to New York City, and, in conjunction with Dr. 
Hawks, established the New York Review. The same year 
the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by 
Geneva College, New York. He edited the Review until 
1830, when he became Professor of Philosophy and History 
in the New York University. In 1847, in addition to the 
duties of his professorship, he took the rectorship of St. 
Clement's Church, New York. His health failing from over- 
work, he resigned the care of the church in 1851, retainino- 
however his professorship, and performing, for some part of 



66 

the time, the duties of the chancellorship of the University 
also. In 1852 ill health compelled him to resign his profes- 
sorship, since which time, by the direction of physicians, he 
has lived in the country. His present place of residence is 
JSTewburgh on the Hudson. 

Dr. Henry has published, besides the works already men- 
tioned, a translation of Cousin's Lectures on Locke's "Essay 
on the Human Understanding," with notes and additional 
pieces, the work appearing under the title of " Cousin's Psy- 
chology," (1834,) and since revised and enlarged ; also, a 
"Compendium of Christian Antiquities" (1837); "Moral 
and Philosophical Essays" (1839) ; an "Epitome of the His- 
tory of Philosophy," translated from the French (1845) ; 
" Guizot's General History of Civilization, with Notes ;" 
"Household Liturgy;" Taylor's "Manual of Ancient and 
Modern History," revised, with a chapter on the History 
of the United States (1845); "Dr. Oldham at Greystones 
and his Talk There" (1859) ; " Considerations upon the Ele- 
ments and Conditions of Social Welfare and Human Progress" 
(1860) ; an Oration on " Patriotism and the Slaveholder's 
Eebellion" (1861); "Politics and the Pulpit," and many 
articles in the " Continental Monthly," and other journals, 
numerous addresses, etc. 

Lucius Watson Clark, son of James and Jerusha (Marcy) 
Clark, was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, July 2, 1801 ; re- 
moved with his parents to this place in 1812 ; was converted 
under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Phelps in the revival of 1818, 
and united with this church December 13, of that year. He 
was graduated at Brown L^nlversity in 1824 ; pursued his 
theological studies with Dr. Ide of Medway ; was licensed to 
preach by the Mendon Association in 1826 ; was ordained 



iu 



pastor of tlie church ui Wilbraham, (Massachusetts, ) In 1820, 
where he continued tliree years. lie was afterwards, for five 
years pastor at Plymouth, and five years at Amesbury ; after 
which, on account of insufficient health, he labored only as 
temporary supply. Some eight or nine years previous to his 
death, he removed to Middlebury, Vermont, where he died 
of lung fever after only a few days' illness, January 2, 1854. 

From an obituary published in the Boston Recorder soon 
after his death, I take the following brief passage: — "As a 
man, a friend, a Christian, they only knew his worth, who knew 
him well. Reliable, conscientious, and generous even to a 
fault; frank in his words, transparent in his motives, steadfast 
to principle, and to duty ; kind, sympathizing, and true to his 
Master ; a meek, humble and prayerful follower of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, whose earnest desire was that God be honored 
and men redeemed." Almost his last work on earth was to 
address a company of grieving mourners from the inspiring 
words, " Blessed are the dead which die In the Lord from 
henceforth : yea saith the spirit, that they may rest from their 
labors ; and their works do follow them." 

John C. Nichols, son of Isaac and Abigail (Cutler) Nichols, 
was born November 17, 1801. In the summer of 1818, he 
united with this church, and Is still a member of it, havlno- 
never removed liis relation. lie was graduated at Yale Col- 
lege In 1824 ; pursued his theological studies at New Haven ; 
was licensed by the New Haven West Association In 1830, 
and, for three years following, was a Home ^Missionary in 
Canada. In the meantime, — In 1831, — he returned to the 
states, and was ordained in North Brookfield for his mission- 
ary work. 

In 1834 he was Installed pastor of the Second Church in 



68 

Stonlngton, Connecticut, and was dismissed in 1839. In 1840 
he became pastor of the First Church in Lebanon, Connec- 
ticut, where, in 1855, he discontinued his hibors on account of 
failing health. Soon afterwards he removed to Old Lyme, 
Connecticut, and there he has remained ever since, teaching 
and preaching, as health and opportunity have permitted. 

Sewall Lamberton, son of Samuel D. and Lucy E. Lam- 
berton, was born August 6, 1818. He was Iiopefully con- 
verted at the age of thirteen, and, the following year, was 
admitted to the communion of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. During the years 1835 and 1836 he held license as 
an exhorter, and, in that capacity, labored more or less in 
different towns. April 24, 1837, he was licensed to preach at 
Chicopee Falls ; after which his time was devoted to study 
and the work of the ministry, laboring at South Hadley, 
Palmer and Wilbraham, this State; and in Norwich, Enfield, 
East Windsor, Colchester, Haddam, and South Windsor, 
Connecticut, until bodily infirmity obliged him to relinquish, 
for the most part, ministerial duties. 

In connection with his earlier labors, he spent two and a 
half or three years at the Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham. 
In July, 1844, he became connected with the Providence 
Conference, and received his first ordination by vote of that 
body. Much of the time for twenty years past, he has been 
unable to perform regular ministerial service. Within that 
period he has spent several years in Southwick, preaching 
more or less for the different churches of that town. For 
the last five years he has lived in Westfield, where he still 
continues to preach occasionally. 

Solomon B. Gilbert, son of Ezra and Ruth (Barnes) Gil- 
bert, was born January 25, 1811 ; entered Amherst College 



69 

in 1832, where having remained one year, he went to Bingor, 
Maine ; studied for a time in the preparatory department, 
then entered the Theological Seminary in that place, where 
he was graduated in 1837. lie was licensed to preach a 
short time pi-eviously by the Penobscot Association in Ban- 
gor. He was ordained as an Evangelist at Lyman, Maine, 
November 15, 1837. From thence he went to Nevvfield in 
the same State, where he was installed pastor in the spring 
of 1841. Three years later he accepted a call to Kenne- 
bunkport, INIaine, where he preached without settlement till 
the spring of 1847, when he removed to Western New York 
and had charge of the church in Parma and Greece two 
years, and of the church in Fairport three years. In 1852 
he returned to Massachusetts; subsequently spent a few 
months in Augusta, Maine, for the benefit of his health, 
acting meanwhile as city missionary, and in February, 1853, 
was installed pastor of the church in Prescott, Massachusetts, 
where he remained one year, when he accepted a call to 
Wendell, Massachusetts, and was installed in November, 1854. 
In December of the following year he went to Lyme, Ohio, 
where he preached until May 1857, when he was taken sick 
with congestion of the lungs, and died on the twenty-second 
of that month, after an illness of but one week. His remains 
repose in the cemetery at Lyme. Through life of a delicate 
constitution, his bodily sufferings during his last sickness 
were great, but his soul was at peace, and "he died^praising 
the Lord." 

William B. Bond, son of Thomas and Jemima (Bush) 
Bond, was born January 12, 1815 ; removed to Springfield 
at about the age of eleven years ; fitted for college at Westfield 
Academy, and at a boarding-school in South Iladley, the 



70 

principal of which was Rev. David R. Austin, afterward 
pastor of the church in Sturbridge. It was in this school 
that he experienced religion, in the summer of 1831. He 
was graduated at Amherst College in 1835 ; studied theology 
two years in Lane Seminary, Ohio, and graduated at New 
York in 1839 ; was licensed to preach by the Third Presby- 
tery in New York, April 8, of the same year, and ordained 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Lee, Massachusetts, 
March 18, 1840, where he labored successfully during a 
ministry of about seven years, and was permitted to see a 
general revival of religion, as the result of which nearly one 
hundred persons united with the church by profession of 
their faith. He was installed pastor of the Second or North 
Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, October 
15, 1847, where he remained about eleven years, during 
which time the church was blessed with two seasons of 
special religious interest, and about one hundred and twenty- 
five persons were added to its membership. On account of 
a failure of health, he was unable, for several years there- 
after, to assume any charge. In February, 1865, he became 
acting pastor of the First Congregational Church, in Palmer, 
in the village of Thorndike, which still continues to be his 
field of labor. 

Josiah Addison Cary, son of Deacon Josiah and Betsey 
(Henry) Cary, was born March 29, 1813. He united with 
this chui'ch September 2, 1827, when but fourteen years of 
age. He prepared for college at Hadley and Amherst acad- 
emies, and was graduated a Amherst College in 1832, rank- 
ing among the foremost of his class for talent, scholarship, 
and piety. He had set his heart upon the missionary work, 
but the providence of God ordered otherwise. Soon after 



71 

leaving college, he was appointed a professor in the New York 
Institution for the deaf and dumb. Wliile thus engaged in 
that Institution, he, at tlie same time, carried on his theolog- 
ical studies, and was graduated at the Union Seminary in 
183T. In 1839 he was licensed to preach by the Tliird Pres- 
bytery of New York ; was ordained as an Evangelist at the 
Mercer Street Church in 1844 ; and installed in 1840 pastor 
of a Dutch Eeformed Church, worshiping in Bleeker Chapel, 
New York, still continuing, however, to discharge his duties 
as instructor of the deaf and dumb. But these combined 
labors overtasked his strength, and after a little more than a 
year he was obliged to resign his pastorate in consequence of 
impaired health. In the spring of 1851 he visited the Island 
of Cuba, whence returning after an absence of two montlis 
with little benefit to his liealth, he was induced, by the hope 
that a change of residence might prove beneficial, to accept 
the appointment of superintendent of the Ohio Deaf and 
Dumb Asylum at Columbus. But this hope was a delusive 
one : for he had discharged the duties of his new and import- 
ant trust less than one year, when he was thrown upon a sick 
bed from which he never rose. He died greatly lamented, at 
Columbus, August 7, 18r»2, having given nineteen years, or 
iust one half of his life, to the instruction of the unfortunate 
deaf mute. ]\Ir. Cary was a man of more than ordinary ex- 
cellence of mind and character. In what estimation he was 
held by those who knew him is shown in various articles 
published, and resolutions passed, soon after his death. At a 
convention of the instructors of the deaf and dumb held at 
Columbus, among other resolutions that were adopted, were 
the following : — 

''Resolved, Tliat we deeply doplure tlie deatb of tlie Rev J. Addi- 



72 

sou Gary, the Superintendent of the Ohio Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 
both on account of his many amiable qualities which were so constantly 
manifested in all the relations of life, and that distinguished success 
which had attended his laboi-s for the intellectual, moral and religious 
improvement of deaf mutes. 

^'Resolved, That we will ever treasure among the most sacred trusts 
of our memories the virtues of the departed, believing that his life pre- 
sented a model as teacher and superintendent, rarely equalled, and 
never surpassed." 

By the Board of Directors of the New York Institution in 
which Mr. Gary was for many years professor, it was 

"Resolved, That in the lamented decease of Professor Gary, in the 
midst of his career of usefulness, the science of deaf mute instruction 
has been deprived of one of its most able and accomplished advocates, 
the cause of Ghristian benevolence of an earnest and devoted supporter, 
and the circle of his attached friends of one universally beloved for the 
many virtues of his personal character." 

He died in the triumphs of faith, testifying, in the hour of 
his dissolution, to the sustaining power of the Christian reli- 
gion. A son of Mr. Gary is now a member of Yale GoUege. 

William B. Stone, son of Francis and Hannah Stone, was 
born in North Brookfield, January 24, 1811. He removed 
with his parents to this parish when he was six years old. 
Through the influence of a Christian mother his mind was 
often seriously impressed, yet he experienced no deep and 
permanent change until, at the age of sixteen, under the 
preaching of Rev. Mr. Foot, his heart yielded to the claims 
of Christ, and he, together with twenty-four others, united 
with this church March 4, 1827. From the time that he 
consecrated his heart and life to God, he had a strong desire 
to preach the Gospel, but was not permitted to commence 
preparation for that work during his minority. At the age 
of twenty-two he began the study of Latin and Greek In 



73 

preparation for college, teaching or laboring, meanwhile, a 
portion of each year, in order to procure pecuniary means for 
his education. He pursued his preparatory studies, for the 
most part, at Hadley Academy ; and was graduated at x\m- 
herst College in 1839. He studied theology for a time at 
Andover, and completed his theological studies with l\ev. 
George Trask of Warren. He was licensed to preach by the 
Brookfield Association in 1841 ; was ordained pastor of the 
Evangelical Congregational Church, Gardiner, Massachusetts, 
February 23, 1842, where he remained until August, 1850, 
when, partly by reason of ill health, and partly in conse- 
quence of the solicitation of his parents, he retired from the 
ministry, and took up his residence in this town, where he 
still lives, and is known as a thorough-going and prosperous 
farmer. 

Austin Phelps, son of Rev. Dr. Eliakim and Mrs. Sarah 
(Adams) Phelps, was born in West Brookfield January 7, 
1820. He was fitted for college by Rev. Dr. Dewey of Pitts- 
field, and Rev. Justus French of Geneva, New York; entered 
college at Geneva in 1833, when but thirteen years old, and 
was graduated with the highest honors at the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1837. 

He was hopefully converted under the ministry of Rev. Al- 
bert Barnes, of Philadelphia, and joined the church of which 
he was pastor, in the summer of 1838. He studied theology 
partly in private, but mainly at the Seminaries in New York, 
New Haven, and Andover. He was licensed to pi-cach by 
the Third Presbytery, of Philadelphia, in 1839, and on March 
31, 1842 was ordained pastor of Pine Street Church, Boston, 
and closed his labors there in May, 1848, which was his only 

pastorate. 

10 



74 

In September of the same year he was inaugurated Profes- 
sor of Sacred Rhetoric at Andover, and has held that position 
ever since with marked ability and success ; during which 
time more than five hundred pupils have enjoyed his instruc- 
tions. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
Amherst College in 1846, when only twenty-six years of age. 

He was married in September 1842 to Elizabeth, eldest 
daughter of Professor Moses Stuart of Andover. She died 
in November 1852. She was the authoress of " The Sunny 
Side," &c., and a writer of great promise. In April, 1855, he 
was married to her sister Mary Stuart, who died in September, 
1856. His present wife, to whom he was married in June, 
1858, is Mary, youngest daughter of Samuel Johnson, Esq., 
of Boston, and grand-daughter of Captain Howe, formerly 
well known as a citizen of South Brookfield. 

Although yet in middle life, the productions of Professor 
Phelps' pen are already somewhat numerous, and by no 
means wanting in merit. He was joint editor, with Pro- 
fessor Park and Dr. Lowell Mason, of " The Sabbath Hymn 
Book," which is now used in the " Service of Song " by more 
than a thousand churches ; joint author, with Professor Park 
and Eev. D. L. Furber, of " Hymns and Choirs," which is a 
History and General Discussion of Hymnology. 

That valuable little book, " The Still Hour, or, Commun- 
ion with God " is also from his pen. It was originally a 
sermon prepared for his people in Boston in the ordinary 
course of his ministry there. The great popularity of this 
work is shown by the fact that it has had a circulation of 
more than forty thousand in this country, and more than sixty 
thousand in England and France. 

A more recent publication of his is "The New Birth." 



76 

Add to these, various articles in the Blbliotheca Sacra; an 
oration before the Porter Rhetorical Society of Andover ; a 
sermon before the Pastoral Association of Massachusetts ; 
a sermon before the Massachusetts Convention of Conirreira- 
tional Ministers, and the Election Sermon before the Legisla- 
ture of Massachusetts in 1861. 

Besides, Professor Phelps has frequently preached at Ordi- 
nations, Dedications, and on other public occasions. And 
yet, with characteristic humility, he vv^rites : " A retrospect 
of one's life, from the ' silent shore ' on which I seem to my- 
self to have been walking, in my infirmity, these five years 
past, does on awaken self-gratulation." His religious history, 
he says, " contains nothing of value to others but the old story 
of a faithful Saviour." He adds : "My purpose to be a min- 
ister, I trace back distinctly to my earliest years in Brook- 
field. It was breathed into me by the example and prayers 
of my father and mother. As Gibbon says of Christianity, 
' it was in the atmosphere ' of my early home. In fact, I sus- 
pect that I was born with it." 

Nathaniel Spear, eldest son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Ar- 
nold) Spear, was born September 4, 1814. From the age of 
sixteen he served an apprenticeship of five years to the tai- 
lor's trade, at the expiration of which time he commenced a 
course of study, and at the age of twenty-four was prepared 
for college. But, on account of the failure of his health, he 
abandoned his purpose of gaining a liberal education. He 
removed into Western New York, where he was largely in- 
strumental in establishing a new church. After a time he was 
called to labor in the employ of the Bible Society, and at 
length, under the auspices of the American Tract and Bible 
Societies in conjunction, he was engaged for six years in 



76 

presenting the cause of these Societies among the churches 
of north-eastern Pennsylvania, since which time the Pres- 
bytery of Northumberland, Pennsylvania, ( O. S.,) has 
ordained him pastor of three churches vvathin the bounds of 
that Presbytery, and under the care of the Domestic Mis- 
sionary Society. These churches are at Rohrsburg, Sugar 
Loaf and Orangeville, the latter being his place of residence. 

Harrison Otis Howland, son of Southworth and Esther 
(Allen) Howland, was born January 25, 1813. He prepared 
for college at Leicester Academy ; was graduated at Amherst 
College in 1841, and at the Union Theological Seminary, 
New York city in 1844. He was ordained in Ashland, New 
York, in 1846, and has since been pastor of churches in 
Warner and Chester, New Hampshire, and in Girard, Erie 
County, Pennsylvania, where he now resides, though not as 
settled pastor. 

William Ware Howland, half-brother of the preceding, 
was born February 25, 1817. His mother was Mary Ware, 
daughter of Dr. Samuel Ware, who, for more than fifteen 
years, was pastor of the First Church in Ware. He was 
graduated at Amherst College in 1841, and at Union Sem- 
inary, New York, in 1845. In the autumn of the same 
year he was ordained at South Hadley, and sailed from 
Boston as a missionary to Ceylon under the auspices of the 
A. B. C. F. M. From that time to the present — a period 
of twenty-two years — he has been stationed at Batticotta. 
In the meantime he has once visited this country. Letters 
from him frequently appear in the columns of the "Mission- 
ary Herald." Two of his sons, William and Samuel, are 
now members of the Sophomore class in Amherst College. 

Edwin Gilbert, son of Harvey and Phydema Gilbert, was 



77 

born February 11, 1824; studied at Chester, Farmington 
and Austlnburgh, Ohio, and completed his studies with Ho- 
ratio Foote at Quincy, Illinois, in the summer of 1850 ; and 
in the autumn following was ordained at Payson, Illinois. 
He had been recommended as a minister the previous year, 
and from that time until the fall of 1852 preached at Con- 
cord, Morgan County, Illinois. In 1857 and 1858 he preached 
at Hampden, Ohio ; in 1850 at Geneva in the same State, 
where he died May 13, 1860, at the age of thirty-six. 
During the last fifteen years of his life he was a great suf- 
ferer from a complication of diseases, terminating in softening 
of the brain. In a lucid interval, on his birthday in Febru- 
ary 18G0, he said, " Christ is precious. I am not sorry I 
have preached Christ ; but when my work is all done, I want 
to go home." 

Joshua M. Chamberlain, son of Eli and Achsah Chamber- 
lain, was born in 1825; was graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1855, and at Andover Theological Seminary at 1858. 
Early in the following year he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and 
for a time supplied a pulpit in that city. In 1860 he became 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa, 
from which relation he was, at his own request, dismissed in 
1866. Since that time he has been agent for the American 
Missionary Association in the same State, and is, at present, 
enofaged in collectins; funds for Iowa College. 

Edward Payson Thwing, son of Deacon Thomas and 
Grace (Barnes) Thwing, although not born until a few years 
after his father removed from this place, yet seems so 
thoroughly identified with us as to claim here a notice. He 
was born August 25, 1830 at AVare Village. In his seventh 
year he was a member of the primary department of "West 



78 

Brookfield Academy, then under the charge of Mrs. C. P. F. 
Wheelock, afterward Mrs. Jesse Bliss. In November, 1837, 
he removed with his father's family to Boston, his father 
having entered upon his missionary labors in that city the 
previous January. It was at about this time, when he was 
seven years of age, that he gave his heart to Christ. Having 
studied at the Eliot Grammar School, and the High School 
of Boston, and two years at Monson Academy, he entered 
Harvard University, where he was graduated in 1855, and 
the summer of that year he spent in foreign travel. He 
was graduated at Andover Theological Seminary in 1858 ; 
having been licensed to preach by the Middlesex South As- 
sociation in December 1857 ; was ordained pastor of the St. 
Lawrence Street Church, Portland, Maine, September 22, 
1858, whence, after four and a half year's labor, he was re- 
leased to accept a call to Quincy, (Massachusetts,) where he 
was installed November 19, 1862, and where he closed his 
pastoral connection on account of impaired health, July 1, 
1867. He has published "Bible Sketches," (1854,) a small 
volume written while he was in college; "Leaves from a 
Tourist's Journal," a serial on foreign travel, in ten numbers, 
published in the Waverly Magazine, Boston; sermons — 
"Death of the First Born;" "Koyal Eequest;" "A Voice 
from the Battle-field;" "Public Worship," and three other 
discourses which appeared in the Home Monthly, Boston, of 
which Mr. Thwing was editor for upwards of a year. Also 
a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Grace W. Thwing, (1865,) 
and the "History of Beech wood Church," (1867.) 

Leander T. Chamberlain, son of Eli and Achsah Cham- 
berlain, was born in 1837, and was graduated at Yale College 
in 1863, with the highest honors of his class. After gradu- 



79 

ation he was, for three years, in the employ of the United 
States government, as paymaster in the navy, at CaHao, 
South America, since which time he has been pursuing his 
theological studies at New Haven and Andover, and is now 
a member of the Seminary in the latter place. 

SABBATH SCHOOL. 

The Sabbath School dates its origin as early as 1817, 
when, through the agency of a few individuals, prominent 
among whom was Mr. Thomas Thwing,* classes were formed 
for the study of the Bible, in the interval of divine worship. 
At first these little groups met in private houses, and for a 
time, also, in a shop then standing near the house now 
occupied by Mrs. Otis Rawson. Subsequently they came 
together in the Old Center School-house. It was not 
till 1819 that the school assembled in this house, when 
classes were formed in the different pews, (Avhich, at that 
time, were little square pens with seats on all sides,) and 
the affairs of the school began to be conducted in a more 
systematic way. 

The exercises then consisted chiefly in the recitation of 
verses of Scripture, beginning with the first chapter of 
John. As an incentive to effort, the pupils were to try who 
would repeat the greatest number of verses. At the close of 
that season, a general meeting was held, and a sermon was 
preached by the pastor, Kcv. Mr. Phelps, from the text in 
Deuteronomy 6 : 7 — '■'' And thou shalt teach them diligently to 
iky children.''^ The records of the school were also read ; the 



* Since deacon of the East Congregational Church, Ware, and for more 
than thirty years City Missionary in Boston. He died May 5, 18G7, aged 
seventy-five. 



80 

number of verses which each scholar had committed was 
announced pubHcly, and the names of individuals who had 
committed the largest number were honorably mentioned. 

The first item that appears upon our church records in 
relation to the Sabbath School, and showing a more complete 
organization, is dated May 4, 1821, when it was voted — 
"That Captain J. Smith, Deacon J. Ross, J. Hinshaw, 
Thomas Bond, Esq., Solomon Gilbert, Thomas Thwing, and 
Deacon A. White, be a Committee to take the oversight of 
the Sabbath School for the ensuing season." It was not till 
a yet later date that the first superintendent. Deacon Josiah 
Cary, was chosen. 

For a number of years the school was continued only 
through the summer. In its earliest years, it encountered 
no little opposition. The whole system of Sabbath School 
instruction was then it its embryo. It was almost wholly a 
a new enterprise in this country, and this was the first scliool 
in this part of Massachusetts. A strong prejudice existed 
against it, and it commenced, as Doctor Phelps says, " with 
a load of odium upon it. The first that had been heard of 
the Sunday-School, M^as as a sort of literary ' soup-Jiouse ' 
for the children of the poor, and for those only Avho lived in 
the large cities. Some efforts of the kind had been attempt- 
ed in Boston. But it was not considered as adapted to the 
country villages at all." Several of the good Christian peo- 
ple of this place " were very much opposed to it, as a desecra- 
tion of the Sabbath ; " and it was not till after two or three 
seasons of successful operation "had shown to the people 
what the practical working of the thing was, that some even 
of the church would let their children attend." It has long 
since come to be a popular institution, looked upon as an 



81 

almost indispensable auxiliary to the instructions of the fam- 
ily and the pulpit, and, In some sense, Is regarded as the hope 
of the Church. 

The Sunday School Concert, held on the second Sabbath 
evening of each month, is of comparatively recent origin, and 
is an exceedingly Interesting feature of the school. During 
the present year the school has received a considerable acces- 
sion to its numbers ; and among them a class of the recent 
converts^ composed of men most of whom are past middle life, 
so that the school now consists of three hundred and eleven 
members. And whereas at first the school had no books of 
any sort, other than the Bible, It now has not only the more 
modern appliances of question books, and singing-books, but 
also a choice library of five hundred and fifty volumes, a 
large portion of which are new. 

MISSIONARIES AND MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 

This church, during the last half century, has not been 
wanting in the INIissionary spirit. It was among the very 
earliest in the country, and the first in this part of Massa- 
chusetts, to Introduce the INIonthly IMIssIonary Concert, fifty- 
one years ago. This meeting was formerly held on the first 
Monday evening of each month ; but for years past, has 
occurred, as at present, regularly on the first Sabbath evening 
of the month ; and generally secures a large attendance. 

In the year 1824, the Auxiliary Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety of the Brookfield Association was formed In this place. 
Its annual meetings alternate among the several towns em- 
braced within this Association, and occur on the third Tues- 
day after the first Monday In October of each year. Our 

yearly contributions to the American Board are made through 
11 



82 

this Auxiliary Society ; and, from the time of its organization 
to the present year, our contributions for that object have 
amounted to six thousand and eighty-four dollars and nine- 
teen cents. 

In another place under the head of " 3Iinisters from the 
Church mid Parish" we speak of Rev. Messrs. Nichols and 
Spear, members of this church, as having labored on Home 
Missionary ground ; and of Eev. William W. Rowland as 
now successfully engaged in the Foreign field in Ceylon, where 
for the last twenty-two years, he has preached the Gospel to 
the inhabitants of that Island. But, besides these ordained 
Missionaries, this church has made yet other contributions 
of its members to that great work, — " the healing of the 
nations y 

Daniel Chamberlain, son of Deacon Daniel and Lydia 
Chamberlain, removed to this town from Westborough in 
1806; united with this church by profession in 1814; and 
was closely identified in 1819 with the first mission to the 
Sandwich Islands. Opukahaia (Obookiah) of the "Mission 
School" at Cornwall, Connecticut, had died the previous 
year; but he had not lived in vain. Though not himself 
permitted to return and preach the Gospel to his own coun- 
trymen, there had been awakened in the minds of others in 
this country an interest and sympathy which gave birth to 
the great enterprise of converting those Islands to God. 

"In the summer of 1819, Hiram Bingham and Asa Thurs- 
ton, students in the Theological Seminary at Andover, oifered 
themselves to the American Board for this service. They 
were ordained at Goshen, Connecticut, September 19. 
Others ofi^ered themselves as assistant missionaries ; a mission 
church was organized in the vestry of Park Street Church, 



Boston, October 15. The public instructions cf tlie Pruden- 
tial Committee were given by the Secretary, Rev. Dr. Wor- 
cester, the same evening, and on the 2od of the same month, 
(October 1819,) — forty-eight years ago — the company sailed 
from Boston in the brig Thaddeus, Captain Blanchard," * and 
reached the Islands early in the following April. In this 
company there were as members of the mission seventeen 
persons, among whom, besides the ordained missionaries 
Bingham and Thurston, with their wives, there were three 
natives of the Islands, also a physician, a mechanic, a cate- 
chist, a printer, and a farmer. It was in this last capacity 
that Mr. Chamberlain went, accompanied by his wife and 
four children. After an absence of about five years he re- 
turned to this place, and soon after removed to Westborough 
where he died in February 1860, — the same year in which 
the American Board completed the first half century of its 
existence. He is remembered as a very ingenious man, a 
devoted Christian, and a most valuable member of society. 

Miss Adaline White, daughter of Deacon Alfred and Sa- 
rah (Gilbert) White, was born September 25, 1809 ; united 
with this church March 4, 1827 ; sailed July 4, 1834 for 
Singapore, Siam, where she was married to Rev. Ira Tracy, 
January 15, 1835. On account of the feeble health of her 
husband, they returned to this country in August 1841. 
Four years later they removed to Streetsboro, Ohio, where 
she died March 3, 1851. Her only surviving child, Alfred 
Edwards Tracy, was born in West Brookficld, July 2, 1845, 
and is now in the Junior Class at Amherst College. 

Miss Sarah G. AVhitc, daughter of Deacon Alfred and 

* Newcomb's Cyclopedia of Missions, p. 649. 



84 

Sarah (Gilbert) "White, was born September 14, 1813 ; united 
with this church May 3, 1835 ; was married to Eev. Asa B. 
Smith, March 15, 1838 ; and that same day set out on a mis- 
sion to the Oregon Indians, going as far as New York by stage. 
From Fort Independence they started May 1, in company 
with the missionaries Messrs. Eells, Walker and Gray, and 
their wives, and on the last day of September reached Fort 
Vancouver, beyond the Rocky Mountains, then in Western 
Oregon, but now embraced within the limits of Washington 
Territory. They made this long tedious journey on horse- 
back, escorted by Indian fur traders. Much of the time they 
were surrounded by hostile Indians, and were compelled to 
endure great hardships. Having spent a few years in mis- 
sionary labor among the Indians of Oregon, they went thence 
to the Sandwich Islands Mission ; where they labored some 
two or three years, and then, by reason of Mr. Smith's fail- 
ing health, they returned by way of China, reaching home 
in 1846. They brought with them three children, daughters 
of Mr. Locke of the Sandwich Islands Mission, the two eld- 
est of whom were adopted by Mr. Smith, and the youngest 
by an uncle. The eldest is now married to Rev. Elijah 
Harmon. About two years after their return, Mrs. Smith 
removed with her husband to Buckland, Massachusetts, where 
she died May 27, 1855. 

The name of Rev. Samuel Ware Bonney appears also upon 
our Catalogue as having united with the church May 7, 1837, 
and as having been dismissed soon after to Danbury, Con- 
necticut. There is, however, some reason to question whether 
he ever belonged to this church. His widowed mother re- 
sided here for a few years, and was a member of this church 
about two years and a half, from July, 1845, to December, 



85 

1847. But there seems to be no certain evidence that her 
son was ever connected with us. A word respecting him, 
however, may not be out of place. He was a son of Rev. 
William and Mrs. Sarah (Ware) Bonney ; was born in New 
Canaan, Connecticut, in 1815 ; in 1832 he was in the em- 
ployment of the Messrs. Merriam, publishers, at Springfield, 
(Massachusetts.) In 1837 he was engaged in teaching at 
Poughkeepsie, Xew York. He afterwards studied at the 
New York University, and at Lane Seminary, Ohio ; re- 
ceived an appointment as missionary of the American Board, 
and in 1816 began his labors at Canton, China, where he 
continued to labor with great devotion and self-denial, and 
with marked success, until his death, which occurred July 
27, 1864. At a meeting of the Canton Missionary Confer- 
ence, held on the third of the succeeding month, the follow- 
ing among other resolutions, was adopted : — 

" That wliile we mourn our loss, it is felt that the life and death of 
our brother gave abundant cause for thankfulness to our Lord and 
Saviour, for tlie grace given him, in the fulfillment of liis ministry, and 
in his dying testimony." 

PATRIOTISM. 

I should seem to depreciate the value of our free institu- 
tions and republican government as connected with the prog- 
ress of Christ's Kingdom in our land and world, and to be 
strangely unmindful of the noble part which the Christian 
Church has performed in the preservation of those inestimable 
blessings, particularly in the recent mighty civil conflict of 
the nation, did I not in closing, at least barely mention the 
Avell know and tried patriotism of this church and people, as 
an important additional element of their wide and beneficent 
influence. 



86 

In May 1776, two months previous to the Declaration of 
Independence, the inhabitants of this town pledged their 
almost unanimous support to the Continental Congress if 
they should see fit to declare the colonies independent of 
Great Britain ; and during the entire war of the Revolution, 
they did not fail to redeem their pledge. And the man who 
through that whole period, was foremost in the deliberations 
and acts of the town, as in loyalty to his country, was the 
Hon. Jedediah Foster, a deacon in this church. But espe- 
cially during these late years of peril, disaster and bloodshed, 
there has been no backward response to the urgent calls of 
the country, either on the part of our church or community, 
whether in men or money, whether in clothing for the desti- 
tute, or food for the hungry, or in timely ministrations to the 
sick, the wounded and the dying. Our hand, moreover, is 
even now wide open to welcome the long oppressed to the 
rights and privileges of citizens, and, at the same time, gen- 
erously to dispense to the needy among them of our kindly 
Christian charities. 

Whether in time of war or of peace, we are solemnly 
bound to be true to the Instincts of patriotism and philan- 
thropy, and to the higher promptings of our religious faith. 

Such is an imperfect review of our long and not uneventful 
history. From this summary of the events of a century and 
a half, we find that whatever may be the sources of regret 
as we revert to the past on this Anniversary Day, they are 
far outnumbered and outweighed by the many occasions for 
joy and devoutest thanksgiving to God. 

This ancient Church has had its severe, though brief, trial 
seasons, its short-lived days of darkness and sterility ; but it 
has also had its long and happy periods of prosperity and 



87 

abundant fruitfulncss. Like the veteran soldier, not without 
wounds and scars has it fought its battles and won its victo- 
ries. But these visible marks of violence only make the more 
clearly manifest that merciful and marvelous interposition by 
which the Church has been preserved. To one baptism of 
suffering, God has sent a score of the joyful baptisms of the 
Holy Ghost ; so that the hearts of hundreds have here been 
made to leap for joy, and their tongues loosed in the praise 
of redeeming grace. 

A precious, sacred trust is this, and exalted, blessed privi- 
leges these, which our pious fathers have so carefully per- 
petuated and handed down to us. But in proportion to the 
greatness and sacredness of the blessings we have inherited 
from the past, so great and solemn is our obligation to cherish 
those blessings in our own day, and to deliver them over in 
all their fulness to comino- o;enerations. 

In view of our numerous past and present mercies, our 
RESPONSIBILITY INDEED IS GxiEAT. From the heights of 
these one hundred and fifty years of Gospel privilege the 
eyes of five generations of godly men look down upon us. 
And upon their lips to-day is the question, well-nigh solemn 
as the eternity to which they are now mostly gone, " Will 
you transmit unimpaired to posterity this noble heritage, 
which, through much hard toil, and many tears and prayers, 
we have committed to you?" 

Yea, rather, from the bosom of eternity itself, there seems 
to fiiU upon our ear at this memorable hour, in accents of 
heavenly earnestness, the united voice of the hundreds whose 
feet have reverently trod these earthly courts, but who now 
walk the golden streets, saying, " Watch ye, stand fast in 
the faith, quit you like men, be strong." " Earnestly con- 



88 

tend for the faith which was once dehvered unto the saints." 
" Love this dear okl Church of Christ unto the end. Stand 
by her in the time of her trial. Seek her purity, her peace, 
her prosperity, her continual growth. Pray that she may 
keep her garments unsullied, her name without reproach, not 
in the present merely, but down through the years and cen- 
turies to come, until at last the Bridegroom shall ' present it 
to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or 
any such thing.' " 






P o e 111 . 



MEMORIALS OF BROOKFIELD, 



BY REV. FRANCIS llORTON, OF BARUINGTON, R. I. 



ANALYSIS. — Invocation and Gratulation — Scenery and Associations — Scenery still, 
AND Cultivation, and Children — The Village, with its Walks, its Sanctuary and 
Sabdaths — Moral and Industrial Habits of Society — Favorable and Beautiful 
Surroundings — Former Residents and Local Attachments — Historic Reflections, 
Education, etc. — Reuoious Usages — Excellence of Domestic Character and 
Training — Worthy Ancestors and Ministers — Success of the Present Pastor — 
Historic Incidents, Revivals, and their Influence, especially the Last — Afflic- 
tions, Various and Personal — Fraternal Greetings — Anticipations, and Prayer 
for Posterity. 

God of eternity, whose power 

Preserves us, and our fathers blest, 
Be with us at this hallowed hour. 

And let us in Thy presence rest. 
Here would we come with praise and prayer, 

Thy gracious goodness to confess, 
Whose favor children's children share. 

In trust Thou wilt our oflFspring bless. 
As pilgrims to a lioly shrine. 

We gather joyously to greet 
Each other, as in olden time. 

Thrice happy thus once more to meet. 
12 



90 

A festival is this of years, 

A jubilee of grateful kind, 
Where minglings of smiles and tears 

Refresh the heaven-aspiring mind. 
No vain regrets or glooms we bring. 

No sad remembrances of strife, 
But rather one glad offering 

To Him who is our spirit's life. 
His may we be, a blessed band 

Of brotherhood by heavenly birth, 
All journeying to the better land 

Whose paradise is not of earth. 

Still cherish we this favored scene 

Of toils, and friendships, griefs, and joys, 
Though brighter visions intervene, 

Of bliss that hath no dark alloys. 
Fond memories of the past we trace, 

'Mid plains, and hills, and sculptured stones, 
And trees that with their grandeur grace 

These sacred sites, and dear old homes. 
Yon river, gentle as of yore, 

Glides peacefully towards the sea, 
Repeating fondly o'er and o'er 

Sweet strains of Nature's minstrelsy. 
Nor less the birds that flit above. 

Or skim the surface of that stream, 
In warbling tones of truth and love, 

Gladden the meadows fresh and green. 
Yon lakelet in its beauty lies 

As when our fathers dwelt around — 
A molten mirror of the skies — 

How clear, how tranquil, how profound ! 



91 

Look thither, at the twilight hour, 

The sunset or the moonlight scene, 
And feel the pacifying power 

Alluring to the world unseen. 
There gaze upon the vault of night, 

Whence stars look down on shadows here, 
Discoursing of those realms of light 

That canopy our dusky sphere. 
What wondrous influences blend. 

To bless the soul on heaven intent; 
And pilgrims on the earth befriend 

With sweet provisions for content. 

Each hillside sloping towards tlic plain, 

Has sightly homesteads nestling tlioro, 
With garden spots, and fields of grain. 

And ripened fruits, all fresh and fair ; 
And chubby children issuing thence, 

In quest of berries or of flowers, 
Blest samples of fair innocence. 

Enjoy the glad autumnal hours. 
Goodness ! what glories flood the fields. 

Where lawns, and groves, and orchards lie. 
And every acre somehow yields 

Its affluence 'neath the sunny sky ! 
Whose is the heart that does not rise 

In gratitude to God above. 
Whose favor and whose grace supplies 

Such proofs of His paternal love? 

Then look again — the village green 

Smiles cheerfully the church around, 
While numerous shops and dwellings seen. 



92 

Say thrift, and skill, and taste abound. 
The shaded walks across the plain, 

Broad avenues beside, well trod, 
Are traveled not alone for gain — 

All leading to the house of God. 
Thither assemblies oft convene, 

For praise, and preaching, and for prayer. 
Where generations past have been, 

In search of heavenly guidance there. 
Glad voices greet the day of rest; 

Hearts weary with their worldly care. 
Or sorrow-stricken and distressed, 

To Zion's altars here repair. 
The Comforter, the Paraclete, 

Whose office is to heal the soul. 
Thus meets men at the mercy-seat. 

Willing and waiting to make whole. 
what a balm the Sabbath brings, 

To spirits seeking fresh supplies 
Of holy influence at these springs. 

Whose source is found in Paradise ! 

The week day world is tranquil here — 

Of riot and of ranting void ; 
Nor child nor matron need e'er fear 

With violence to be annoyed; 
Save such excess as sin and crime 

May bring to any spot of earth. 
Where baser passions in their time 

Incontinently spring to birth. 
What industries are well supplied ; 

What habits savoring of health ; 
Not mirsing indolence, or pride, 



93 

Yet nourishing the common wealth ! 
No ministries to public vice, 

Destructive of the social weal, 
Or schemes of crushing avarice, 

The doings of the day reveal. 
Thus labor hath its recompense. 

Work of the lusty brawn or brain, 
And all have healthful competence, 

The landlord, and the humblest swain. 

Extend tlie view, on either side, 

Which trade or travel may incline, 
And see the prospect opening wide, 

No artist's pencil can define ; 
The hills ascend — their summits climb — 

And gaze around where'er you stand ; 
Observe what elements combine 

To beautify and bless the land ! 
Each sunny slope, and graceful swell, 

Each pasture, with its lowing herd. 
Each rivulet, and mossy well. 

Salutes you with a welcome word : 
"Pause, pilgrim, and enjoy the sight; 

Communion hold with Nature here. 
Drink in tlic fullness of doliglit. 

Which dignifies this earthly sphere ; 
Nor deem it strange that those who trod 

These paths aforetime, in their prime. 
Held converse with Almighty God, 

'Mid flush of scenery so srablime ! " 

Yet wliere are they — the stalwart men — 
That traversed thus these hills and plains? 



94 

Whose like we ne'er may see again, 

Save as posterity remains ; 
And worthy women, meek in mein, 

Of aspect and of movement bland. 
What wives and mothers then were seen, 

The joy and glory of the laud ! 
Daughters of Brookfield, ever fair ; 

With health and energy endowed, 
Domestic jewelry most rare. 

Of which the dwelling may be proud. 
Sisters and sons, with grateful sires, 

The labors of the homestead share. 
While neither to the fame aspires 

Of uselessness or ennui there. 
All love the country — well they may ; 

Its atmosphere, its trees, its fields. 
The summer and the spring so gay, 

And golden fruits that autumn yields. 
Here winter hath its hearty joys. 

With books, and friends, and music blest, 
While each his industry employs 

To render happy all the rest. 

Thrice fifty years their course have run, 

Eventful in their various date, 
Since godly fathers here begun 

The history we commemorate. 
Scarce had fierce savages retired 

From streams and grounds they loved so well. 
When friendly spirits prompt aspired 

In Christian fellowship to dwell. 
No respite to their toils and cares, 

Would those heroic men afford, 



95 

Nor ceasing from their alms anrl prayers, 

Unitedly to serve the Lord — 
Till place -was found for worship free, 

Amid these pleasant vales and woods ; 
Provision for society, 

Instead of wastes and solitudes. 
Honor to those who sought to lay 

Foundations for religion pure, 
And to posterity convey 

A heritage of good so sure. 

Their culture of the mind, no less 

Than ground that needed earnest toil, 
To rescue from the wilderness, 

And render it a fruitful soil. 
Secured at once most constant care. 

And steady exercise of skill, 
The harvest wealth of soul to share. 

Which was their wisdom and their will. 
Thus, near tlie church the school-house rose. 

However humble, still at hand; 
As with religion learning goes. 

Enriching liberally the land. 
E'en then what sportive games were seen. 

When children sprightly, fresh, and fair. 
Tripped gaily o'er the village gi-een. 

With guileless face, and flowing hair. 
The spelling-book was not forgot, 

Nor Testament perchance, though rare, 
As issued from their humble cot 

The little groups so free from care. 
To meet the Mistress of the day. 

Whose smile was sure, whose word was rule 



96 

Who favored knowledge more than play, 

Within her well-taught, simple school. 
True, John was roguish now and then, 

And James too restless to sit still, 
And Mary missed her page or pen, 

[ Now obsolete the gray goose-quill. ] 
Some stolen glances, too, were paid — 

Ever, of course, against the rule — 
From loving youth to blushing maid, 

The merest accident at school ; 
Still study was the main pursuit, V 

Good learning and good manners taught, 
The young idea how to shoot," 

Was foremost in the teacher's thought. 
Slight rivalries perhaps arise, 

As pupils on success intent 
The head to keep, and win the prize. 

Nor suffer social detriment. 
These have their stimulus, to aid 

The indolent in quest of lore. 
Inspiring those of various grade, 

To lessons never learned before. 
Fond intimacies ere long grow 

To richer ripeness in the heart, 
Till schoolmates are constrained to show 

Reluctance evermore to part. 
These signify their several choice. 

In tokens never meaningless. 
Each causing other to rejoice 

In wedlock sure their lives to bless. 
The nuptials finally are sealed, 

With fitting rites and general glee. 
And friendly feelings are revealed 



07 

In generous liospitality. 
Tims families arise and spread — 

Society its ranks extends — 
Thougli fond ones drop among tlie dead, 

The fairest and tlie best of friends ! 

Yet other strains our tliemc requires : 

Time runs too rapidly to Avaste ; 
And we are following our sires, 

In paths no more to be retraced. 
They had their Sabbaths, blessed days. 

And sermons from the wise and good. 
Sweet seasons oft of pi'ayer and praise, 

When worldling dared not intrude. 
So had they sacraments of grace, 

Such as their cliildren still sustain, 
The sacred font, in time and place, 

Serving the covenant the same ; 
Symbol of cleansing and of cure, 

Pure water sprinkled on the brow, 
Doth all of simple form insure. 

Availing to the service now. 
Christ's table spread with bread and wine. 

Choice elements, expressive still, 
Perpetuates the feast divine 

Of those who seek to do his will. 
What numbers here have followed him, 

Obedient to his blest command. 
Whose spirits pure have entered in. 

And joined the bright celestial band. 
There dwell they with the sainted host, 

Whose song on earth was wont to rise 

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 

Jehovah great, above the skies ! 
18 



98 

Those holy men who trod these ways, 

In paths of pleasantness and peace, 
Whose memory we rightly praise. 

Whose influence will never cease — 
Well bore the burden of their day. 

Working with all their might and main. 
Foundations here in truth to lay, 

The cause of virtue to sustain. 
What care had they to leave behind. 

Not lands alone, and dwellings good, 
But nurture for the immortal mind, 

Substantial spiritual food ! 
Such training children had in course. 

From saintly mothers and from sires, 
As told the nature and the source 

Of their intense and kind desires. 
Born of the Spirit from above. 

And blest with teachings so divine, 
It was the prompting of pure love. 

To let their bright example shine. 
How intimate with Heaven were they ; 

How conversant with sacred truth, 
Which was their study day by day. 

The rule of life, the guide of youth. 
Happy those homes whence daily prayer. 

In grateful oilering arose 
To Him whose tender mercies spare. 

And give at night serene repose. 
What favored families were theirs. 

Whose parentage was so replete 
With blessings for themselves and heirs, 

Forth flowing from the mercy-seat. 



99 

Ancestral lionois well wo prize, 

And social benefits no less, 
From " parents passed into the skies," 

Who wrought such works of righteousness. 
Preacliers besides, for scores of years, 

Glad tidings here of grace proclaimed. 
With weary watchings, toils and tears, 

Of whom we need not be ashamed. 
Successive pastors reverence claim, 

AVho fed this flock in days of yore. 
Whose record is enduring fame. 

To live when time shall be no more. 
One still survives, whose hoary head* 

It ofladdens us afresh to see, 
Though most are numbered witli the dead, 

Who waited on his ministry. 
His is the privilege to wait 

A little longer on these shores, 
Ere passing to that higher state, 

Where is the Lamb whom he adores, 
Otliers there are who since have stood 

On Zion's walls as watchmen here, 
Whose influence, however good. 

It may not be their choice to hear. 
These severally have sought to know 

Their high commission from above. 
And clearly to the people show 

The riches of eternal love. 
Of God — of man — of Christ — of heaven, 

They taught riglit tenderly, and true ; 
The way to have our sins forgiven, 



* Rev. Eliakim Plielps, D. D. 



100 

And to begin our lives anew. 
Ah, well they harmonized in this, 

What every human soul must be. 
To enter through the gates of bliss. 

And dwell with God eternall}'. 
Nor less do they in heart rejoice 

At Ziou's increase and success. 
Praying with one consent and voice, 

That God will still his servant bless. 
This latest leader* may he crown 

With glory's signal coronet, 
When he shall lay his armor down, 

With trophies at our Savior's feet. 
Historic incidents we trace. 

In scenes of joyancer and of grief, 
As blessings have enriched the place. 

Or trials called for large relief. 
Seasons of grace have been enjoyed, 

In measure more than we can tell. 
When God and men have been employed 

In saving sinful souls from hell. 
The spirit hovering around, 

Has startled slumberers to think. 
And made them hear the dreadful sound. 

As standing on that fatal brink, 
Whence fierce destruction flashes wrath, 

And echoes vengeance at each breath. 
Sweeping the guilty luortal's path 

With warnings of eternal death ! 
Anon there comes a welcome voice, 

Winnino- the tremblino- heart to rest, 

* Rev. Samuel Duiiliam. 



101 

And bids it make the liappy choice, 

And be with grace and glory blest. 
What looks of loveliness has He 

Who agonized for human guilt, 
And hung upon that cursed tree. 

Where blood, most precious blood was spilt ! 
Was it for us he bled and died — 

The harmless sufferer for sin — 
The Son of God thus crucified 

That we might endless glory win ! 
Then dearest service evermore, 

Submission sweet, and faith, and love, 
Are due to Jesus o'er and o'er, 

In realms below, and realms above ! 
All praise to that eternal plan 

Which Sovereign Goodness saw and cliose, 
By which to save rebellious man, 

And reconcile malicious foes ! 
Strains such as tliese have often rung, 

From many ransomed souls forgiven, 
Whose oflferings of the heart and tongue, 

Have raised their incense pure to h(?avcn. 

happy hours of praise and prayer, 

When converts from the world have come 
Like little cliildron, to declare. 

What love divine for tliem hath done ! 
Tlieir tongues are loosed, tlicir lips unsealed, 

Their hearts with gratitude o'erflow ; 
The blessedness to be revealed, 

Is such as only Christians know. 
These have their sympathies expressed, 

In joys the stranger feeleth not, 



102 

Or anxiousness for souls distressed, 

Once felt, not easily forgot. 
Yet harvest times have often come, 

Ingatherings of goodly grain, 
To this our temporary home. 

So recently refreshed again. 
Thanks to the Lord whose loving power. 

The blessing in advance has sent 
To consecrate this festive hour 

As one of mutual content. 
Third jubilee of years — how blest ! 

The period we celebrate, 
Is worthily the pilgrim's rest, 

In prospect of a purer state. 

Let not our lyre refuse a strain 

Of plaintive melody the while, 
Though little more of time remain 

Than friendly parting with a smile. 
While Providence hath largely blest 

Ovir various residences here, 
It hath not been unbroken rest, 

Void of affliction, or of fear. 
No — clouds have come o'er brightest skies. 

And sorrow visited each heart; 
Grave memories of grief arise, 

In which we shared a mourner's part. 
What shadows have each threshold crossed, 

Where sunlight had been bright before ; 
What treasures have our dwellings lost, 

That nought on earth can e'er restore. 
Parents and children have been borne 

In turn to yonder sacred spot, 



103 

Leaving inoro lonely ones to mourn 

Sad vacancies not soon forgot. 
Sisters and brothers too, how fond, 

Have separated at the grave, 
Not solaced with a thought beyond, 

But the Redeemer's power to save. 
Others more dear have gone tlie way 

Whence no returning footsteps come ; 
And widowed mourners see no day 

When seems it as before at home. 
How many mingle thus their tears, 

O'er sorrows which each heart can feel, 
That e'en the silent lapse of years 

Has no effective power to heal ! 

The youngest from the cradle dear, 

How sadly is it laid aside " 
In that receptacle so drear. 

Where many of its class abide. 
Yet few the families exempt 

From sorrow over children fled, 
And silencing of merriment, 

That such are numbered with the dead. 
Forgive the strain, the gentle sigh. 

Parental fondness, if you plea-se. 
That brings some moisture to the eye, 

In sympathy with scenes like tliese. 
Three little graves are side by side. 

In yon inelosure near the gate, 
With tablets severally su])plied 

To mark the name, the age, the date : 
A sister and two brothers there, 

Sleep peacefully beneath the sod, 



104 

In after ages to appear 

Among the risen saints of God. 
Our infant offspring, why deplore, 

When suddenly removed from sight? 
Faith says, "Not lost, but gone before," 

To regions of celestial light. 
Thither let us henceforth aspire, 

With purer ardor for the prize, 
All cherishing devout desire 

To dwell with them above the skies. 

Fraternal greetings we exchange 

With friendly spirits here at home, 
Ingathered from an ample range, 

Whence various duty calls to roam. 
This mother church her children dear 

Invites beneath the old rooftree, 
Together thus their hearts to cheer. 

And bind in bonds of charity. 
Daughters of comeliness and strength. 

Surround her here on every hand. 
Whose goodly influence at length 

Extends, how widely in the land ! 
E'en foreign shores are sometimes trod 

By those who go far hence to teach 
The lively oracles of God, 

And his incarnate love to preach. 
Welcome, right welcome, all who come 

To celebrate this festal day, 
Which calls a mother's children home. 

Their grateful offerings to pay. 
Yes, welcome all to this repast. 

So rich in sacred memories 



105 

Well gathered from the fruitful past, 

To give us plenteous supplies. 
Here let the hand, tlie heart, the voice, 

Their friendly sentiments express, 
And each in other's joy rejoice. 

With pure unbounded thankfulness. 
Thus as the moments glide apace, 

As moves the Autumn's golden sun. 
No cloud shall cross our cheerful face. 

Till day's delightful work is done. 

What though as now no more we meet. 

To take such retrospect of time — 
Or gather round this sacred seat, 

Where memories so sweet combine? 
A larger company ere long 
. Will greet us on the shining shore, 
And join in one triumphant song. 

That there we meet to part no more ! 
All hail the prospect, ever bright. 

Of meeting in that world above, 
Where all is purity and light; 

All righteousness, and peace, and love ! 
Still would we breathe a fervent prayer, 

That those who follow in our train 
May evermore most largely share 

These priceless blessings that remain. 
May children's children here enjoy 

Rich benefits of Gospel grace. 
And mightiest energies employ 

To renovate and save the race. 
Thus may the blest succession run. 

In ages future as the i)ast ; 
14 



106 

Nay, brighter, like the sliining sun, 

Each generation till the last. 
Then come with joy each golden year, 

To celebrate this jubilee. 
Till nations shout the triumph here, 

Which earth has sighed so long to see ! 



Appendix. 



ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS. 

At a meeting of the Congregational Church in West Brookfield, 
Massachusetts, held at the conclusion of the prejiaratory lecture, Friday 
afternoon, July 5, 18(57, it was voted to celebrate the One Hundred and 
Fiftieth Anniversary of tlie formation of the Church, to occur on 
Wednesday the sixteenth day of the succeeding October ; and at the 
same time the following persons were chosen a Committee to make all 

necessary arrangements for the occasion, viz : 

« 

Avery Keep, ♦John M. Falf.s,* 

Abner C. Gleasox, Raymond Cummixgs, 

Rev. Samuel Dunham, Warren A. Blair, 

Dea. Moses Hall, Charles E. Smith, 

Adolpiius Hamilton, Dea. Alfred White, 

Sherlock D. Livermore. 

In the evening of the day on which the above Committee were chosen, 
they met, and organized by the choice of Rev. S. Dunham, chairman, 
and S. D. Livermore, secretary, and voted to submit the whole matter 
of the arrangements to the consideration of a sub-committee of three, 
who should report at a future meeting. Messrs. Dunham, Gleason, and 
Hall were appointed to that service. 

The Committee subsequently met and voted that the pastor be invited 
to deliver an Historical Discourse, and to procure the writing of an 
Anniversary Hymn, and a Poem. 

♦ Died suddenly of heart disease . Friday morning after the Anniversary, Octo- 
ber 18, 1867. 



108 

They also issued a circular letter, inviting former Pastors, Ministers 
reared in the parish. Members and Friends of the Church generally, to 
be present and participate in the exercises of the celebration. 

They further determined to have a general collation, and chose a 
Committee on Collation, consisting of the following named gentlemen : 

Edward T. Stowell, Dea. Samuel N, White, 

William Paige, William Adams, Jr., 

Joseph E. Bailey, Warren A. Blair, 

Curtis Gilbert, Lyman H. Chamberlain. 

The Committee of Arrangements likewise elected John M. Fales a 
Committee on Finance ; appointed the officers of the day, and prepared 
the order of exercises. 

The Celebration fell upon the delightful season of Indian Summer, 
and proved to be one of Nature's balmiest days. The occasion drew 
together a large assembly from a wide region of country, and perhaps 
exceeded in interest and enjoyment the expectations even of the most 
sanguine. , 

OFFICERS OF THE DAY. 

PRESIDENT, 
Rev. FRANCIS HORTON. 

vice presidents, 
Dea. GEORGE MERRIAM, Rev. ELIAKIM PHELPS, D. D., 

Dea. JACOB DUPEE, ADOLPHUS HAMILTON, Esq., 

Dea. ALFRED WHITE. 

COMMITTEE OP RECEPTION, 
S. D. LIVERMORE, A. C. GLEASON, 

C. E. SMITH. 

CHIEF MARSHAL, 
HARRISON BARNES. 

ASSISTANT MARSHALS, 
EBENEZER B. LYNDE, GEORGE W. BILSS, 

LEWIS GLEASON, JOSEPH S. GLEASON, 

IRA M. SOUTHWORTH, GEORGE W. STONE. 



109 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 

MORNING. 

VoLUNTAUY — Anthem. 

Tune — Denmark. 

Before Jehovah's awful throne, 

Ye uations, bow with sacred joy : 
Know that the Lord is God alone ; 

He can create, and he destroy. 

Ilis sovereign power, without our aid, 

Made us of clay, and formed us men ; 
And when, like wand'ring sheep, we strayed, 

He brought us to his fold again. 

We are his people, we his care. 

Our souls, and all our mortal frame : 
"What lasting honors shall we rear, 

Almighty Maker, to thy name ? 

We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs, 

High as the heaven our voices raise ; 
And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, 

Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 

Wide as the word is thy command. 

Vast as eternity, thy love : 
Firm as a rock thy truth shall stand. 

When rolling years shall cease to move. 

Invocatiox and reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Joshua Coit 
of Brookfield. 

Singing. 
Heavenly Father, graciously hear us ; 

Hear the petitions we offer before Thee ; 
Let thy mercy rest upon us ; 
Heavenly Father, graciously hear us ; 
Hear our prayer. Hear our prayer. 

Prayer, by Rev. L. S. Parker, of Derry, New Hampshire. 



110 

Aa'niversaey Hymn. 

[Words by Miss Carrie A. Parker, of Derry, New Hampshire.] 
Tun e — Dedlicnn. 

Thrice fifty years have swiftly flown, 

Since first a little band 
Of Christian laborers set this vjne, 

And trained with loving hand. 

The Lord hath visited His vine 
With showers of heavenly grace, 

And blessed His waiting children's eyes 
With shining of His face. 

The precious seed in weakness sown, 

And watered well with tears. 
Hath grown unto a noble tree, 

And generous fruitage bears. 

While humble souls have watched and prayed, 

And with temptation fought, 
God hath made bare his own right arm, 

And great deliverance brought. 

His hand hath loosed the captive's bonds. 

He bade the slave go free ; 
His voice the heathen nations calls 

To Christian liberty. 

And now his still, small voice is heard 
Through our redeemed land : 
" Go, Christians, in my vineyard work. 
Nor longer idle stand." 

Not the anointed ones alone. 

As preachers, now are sent ; 
But all whose hearts have felt His love. 

And wills to His have bent. 

Instead of sires, the children stand ; 

To us may grace be given 
To follow them in faithfulness. 

And share their joy in Heaven. 

Historical Discourse, (in part,) by Rev. S. Dunham. 



Ill 

Hymn. 

Tune — Harvard. 

No change of time shall ever shock 

INIy trust, O Lord, iu thee ; 
For thou hast always beeu my Rock, 

A sure defence to me. 

Thou my dcliv'ror art, O God; 

My trust is in thy power : 
Thou art my shield from foes abroad, 

My safeguard, and my tower. 

Benediction, by Rev. Dr. Phelps. 

Recess — Collation. 

AFTERNOON. 
Hymn — The Church's Welcome. 

Children of Zion ! what harp-notes are stealing, 
So soft o'er our senses, so soothingly sweet ? 

'Tis the music of angels, their raptures revealing. 
That you have been bro't to the Holy One's feet. 

Children of Zion ! we join in their welcome, 
'Tis sweet to lie low at that blessed retreat. 

Children of Zion ! no longer in sadness, 

Refrain from the feast that your Savior hath given ; 

Come, taste of the cup of salvation with gladness, 
And think of the banquet still sweeter in heaven. 

Children of Zion ! our hearts bid you welcome 

To the church of the ransomed, the kingdom of heaven. 

Children of Zion ! we joyfully hail you. 

Who've entered the sheep-fold thro' Jesus, the door ; 

While pilgrims on earth, tho' the foe may assail you, 
Press forward, and soon will the conflict be o'er. 

Children of Zion ! Oh ! welcome, thrice welcome ! 

Till we meet where the foe shall ojjpress you no more. 

Historical Papei:s: The Deacons and Meeting-Houses, by Rev. S. 
Dunham. 



112 

Hymn. 

Tune — Olmutz, 

Far down the ages now, 

Much of her journey" done, 
The pilgrim church pursues her way, 

Until her crown be won. 

The story of the past 

Come up before her view ; 
How will it seem to suit her still — 

Old, and yet ever new ! 

It is the oft-told tale 

Of sin and weariness, 
Of grace and love yet flowing down 

To pardon and to bless. 

No wider is the gate, 

No broader is the way, 
No smoother is the ancient path, 

That leads to life and day. 

No sweeter is the cup, 

Nor less our lot of ill : 
'Twas tribulation ages since, 

'Tis tribulation still. 

No slacker grows the fight, 

No feebler is the foe. 
Nor less the need of armor tried, 

Of shield and spear and bow. 

Thus onward still we press 

Through evil and through good, — 
Through pain and poverty and want. 

Through peril and through blood. 

Still faithful to our God, 

And to our Captain true, 
We follow where he leads the way, 

The kingdom in our view. 

Address, by Rev. Eliakim Phelps, D. D., of Jersey City, New Jersey. 
Rkmarks, by Rev. L. S. Parker, of Derry, New Hampshire. 



113 

Historical Sketch : Ministers from the Church and Parish, by Kev. 
S. Dunham. 

Hymn. 

Tune — Coronation. 
Oh ! 'twas a joyful sound to hear 
Our tribes devoutly say : 
" Up, Israel, to tlie temple haste, 
And keep your festal day ! " 

At Salem's courts we must appear, 

With our assembled powers. 
In strong and beauteous order ranged, 

Like her united towers. 

Oh, pray we then for Salem's. peace ! 

For they shall prosperous be. 
Thou hc^ city of our God, 

Who bear true love to thee. 

May peace within thy sacred walls 

A constant guest be found ; 
With plenty and prosperity 

Thy palaces be crowned. 

Poem : Memorials of Brookfield, by Rev. F. Horton, of Barrington, 
Rhode Island. 

Remarks, by Hon. Amasa Walker, of North Brookfield. 

Prayer, by Rev.- William B. Bond, of Palmer. 

Hymn. ~ 

Tune — Dismission. 
Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing, 

Bid us all depart in peace ; 
Still on gospel manna feeding, 
Pure, seraphic love increase ; 
Fill each breast with consolation. 

Up to thee our voices raise ; 
Wlien we reach that blissful station, 
Then we'll give thee noble praise. 
And we'll sing Hallelujah, 
To God and the Lamb ; 
Hallelujah forever, — Amen. 

Benediction, by Rev. Mr. Horton. 
15 






114 



THE COLLATION. 

Through the efficient exertions of the Committee who were entrusted 
with the task of providing the entertainment, this part of the day's ex- 
ercises was rendered a complete success. 

Previous to the day, this Committee appointed and made skillful dis- 
position of the following ample corps of assistants, to superintend and 
aid in the distribution of the refreshments, viz : — 

^nson Giffin Jr., Mrs. E. B. Taintor, Mrs. W. A. Marcy, Mrs. San- 
ford Adams, Mrs. B. P. Aikin, Mrs. Doct. Blodgett, Mrs. Doct. Forbes, 
Mrs. L. H. Chamberlain, Mrs. M. J. Miller, Mrs. Sarah J. Rawson, Mrs. 
G. W. Bliss, Mrs. Enos Gilbert, Mrs. W. A. Blair, Misses Abbie C. 
Blackmer, Eugenia Taintor, Ella G. Paige, Maria Reed, Ida E. Reed, 
Laura A. Giddiugs, Ida R. Giddings, Emma" Rawson, Emma Sprout, 
Nettie Jackson, Clara J. Dane, Susie Beaman^arrie M. Gleason, Annie 
Brown, Ann Elizabeth C. Gleason, Lottie M. White, Anna E. Bruce, 
Mary Jones, Julia Mirick, Lottie Miller, Arvilla Stone, Alice A. Rich- 
ards, Messrs. Eddie F. Livermore, Alfred C. White, Frank L. Bailey, 
Alvin W. Gilbert, Augustus N. Makepeace, Charles S. Southworth, 
Albert W. Bliss. 

At the close of the morning services, all who were present were in- 
vited to repair to the Town Hall, where a plentiful supply of provisions, 
of divers sorts, was in readiness, having being brought, by previous 
request, from every quarter of the town. The large audience was mar- 
shaled at the church, and proceeded to the hall in the following order : — 
Committee of Arrangements ; President and Officers of the day ; Clergy 
and Invited Guests ; Strangers and Citizens generally. 

The blessing having been invoked by Dr. Phelps, the appeals of 
hunger were sated by a repast which, as the Worcester Daily Spy of the 
next morning said, " was bountifully sufficient, good and well arranged, 
and set forth to the satisfaction of all who were privileged to partake." 



At a meeting of the Church, held November 1, 1867, it was voted 
that measures be taken for publishing the doings of the anniversary 
celebration, a*id the following persons were appointed a Committee on 
publication: — A. C. Gleason, S. D. Livermore, Dea. J. Dupee, Rev. 
S. Dunham, W. A. Blair. 

This Committee subsequently met, and by vote requested Rev. S. 



116 

Dunham to prepare an Appendix for the press, and authorized him to 
take the general superintendence of the publication. 

LETTER FllOM aOVERNOU BULLOCK, 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Execctive Department, ) 

Boston, October 14, 18G7. ) 
My Dear Sir : — I am disappointed in failing to make my engagements 
such as to permit me to visit you on Wednesday. The One Hundred 
and Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of your church is of it- 
self a most interesting event even in a Commonwealth which we are 
accustomed to call ancient. Added to this is the equal interest attached 
to the old town of Brookfield which was for so many years scarcely 
second in political importance in the County of Worcester. 

The town and the church in their historical relations cannot easily be 
separated ; and it becomes to me a source of unfeigned regret that I 
cannot unite with you in commemorating the striking reminiscences 
which upon the present occasion will be awakened. 

I am, my Dear Sir, with great respect and esteem, 

Most truly, your obedient servant, . 

ALEX. H. BULLOCK. 
The Rev. Samuel Dunham. 

letter from eev. austin phelps, d. d., professor in the tueo- 
logical seminary at andover. 

Andover, Mass., September 18, 1867. 
Rev. S. Duxham : Dear Brother : — I am sorry that I cannot attend 
the Celebration at West Brookfield, but the state of my health puts it 
out of my power. My fatlier, I think, will be there, and would doubt- 
less be ready to fill any gap, should such a thing occur, — which is not 
probable. Your chief concern probably will be to stop the talkers. 

I would, with great pleasure, be present, and speak just five minutes, 
watch in hand, — if my health would permit me to go. 

Very truly yours, AUSTIN PHELPS. 

LETTER FROM REV. CALEB SPRAGUE HENRY', D. D., OF NE^VUURGH, 

NEW YORK. 

Newuuroh, N. Y., October. 14, 1867. 
My Dear Sir : — Your kind invitation to the Celebration of the One 
Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of the Congre- 
gational Church in West Brookfield reached me in due season, but got 
mislaid until to-day I found it. I had meantime forgotten the day fixed 
for the festival ; and now I perceive it is ?o near at hand that I au> 



116 

afraid tMs will not reacli you before the day. I am the more sorry 
because events have occurred which will render it impossible for me to 
be present. It would give me great, very great pleasure to be there on 
the occasion. It is the church of my early childhood. The venerable 
image of Father Ward is one of the liveliest recollections of my childish 
days, — his white wig, his benignant face, his exquisite courtesy. 

It was in that old white building on the north side of " the plain " 
that I first went to the Holy Communion. Of that qhurch my vener- 
able father was for many years a member. In the burial ground lies the 
body of my mother, and I suppose, of many more whom I once knew. 

All these and many other associations with West Brookfield, would 
make it very pleasant for me to visit the place. I am sorry I cannot 
do so now. I live in the hope of doing so yet at some future day. 

Very truly and respectfully yours, C. S. HENRY. 

S. D. LiVKKMOEE. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. JOSEPH VAILL, D. D., OF PALMER. 

Palmek, September 20, 1867. 
Pear Brother Dunham : — You allude to the anticipated Anniver- 
sary. It would give me great pleasure to be present, and I shall make 
an efibrt to do so. A special adjourned meeting of the Corporation of 
Amherst College is to take place about that time. If it does not occur 
on that week, I know of no obstacle to prevent my attendance. 

I am truly and fatcrnally yours, JOSEPH VAILL. 



NOTE I. 

The following petition is taken from the Appendix to Mr. Foot's His- 
torical Discourse on Brookfield, as being peculiarly appropriate to be 
preserved in connection with a history of the church : 

The petition of the inhabitants of Brookfield to the Honored Gen- 
eral Court assembled at Boston, November 1698, humbly showeth : — 

First, That we seem to be called of God to continue our habitation 
in this place ; we are low in the world, and it would be a breaking thing 
to our estates to remove to any other plantation. And the land here 
is very capable of entertaining a considerable body of people ; though 
inhabitants have been slow to come to us by reason of the war, yet 
the land is very encouraging, capable to aftbrd a comfortable subsist- 
ence to many families. 

Second, That it is an intolerable burden to continue as we have done, 
without the preaching of the word. God doth require not only family 
worship, but his public worship. It is the ordhiance of God that, od 



117 

the Sabbath day, there should be an holy convocation ; and that his word 
be preached by those who are able and faithful ; and our necessities 
put us upon it earnestly to desire it ; both we and our children need 
the instructions, rebukes and encouragements of the word ; the dark- 
ness and deadness of our own hearts, together with the many Snares 
that are in the world, are an experimental conviction to us that we need 
all those helps and advantages that God hath sanctified for our good. 

2'hird, That wc are not able at present to maintain the worship of 
God ; we are but twelve families, and are not of estate sufl&cient to give 
suitable encouragement to a minister ; we are Avilling to do to the 
outside of our ability ; but though as much as can be expected from us, 
it will not amount to such a sum as a minister may reasonably require 
for his labor. 

Fourth, That if this Honored Court would please to pity us, and grant 
us some help for a few years, for the maintenance of a godly, able min- 
ister, besides the advantage that it may be to these few families that 
are here, it would be a means of bringing many other inhabitants to us, 
whereby we shall be so far assisted that we may of ourselves be able 
to ujihold the worship of God, and not be burdensome to otliers. 

Under these considerations we humbly beg, that this Honored Court 
would exercise compassion to ue, and assign some relief to us out of 
the public treasury, which we shall look upon, not only as a testimony 
of your zeal for the worship of God, but also of your tender compas- 
sion to the souls of those whom God hatli made you fathers of: and 
your petitioners shall pray, &c. 

Read November 23, 1698. 

In answer to the above petition. — 

Ordered that there be twenty pounds paid out of the public Treasury 
of this Province, towards the support of an orthodox minister for one 
year to commence from the time of the settlement of such minister 
amongst them. 

Sent up to the Honorable the Lieutenant Governor and Council for 
Concurrence. Nathanikl Byfield, Speaker. 

Signed, 
Samuel O. Owen, Thomas Barnes, Hervey Gilbert, 

Stephen Gennings, Jno. Woolcott, James Pettee, 

Samuel Davie, William Barnes, Thomas Parsons, 

Thomas Rich, Abyan Bartlett, Daniel Price. 

Jon. Clary, Joseph Marks, John Pettee. 

Read in Council, November 24, 1G98, and voted a concurrence with 
the Representatives. 

Isaiah Apdixgtox, Secretary. 



118 



NOTE II. 

Terms of settlement as proposed to Mr. Ward, and his answer of 

acceptance. 

At a legal meeting of the first precinct in the town of Brookfield on 
Monday the 26th day of August, 1771, the parish passed a vote of con- 
currence with the church in the choice of Mr. Ephraim Ward of Newton 
for the minister of the church and congregation in this place. And then, 
" Voted, That upon the said Mr. Ward becoming the ordained minister 
of this Church and Congregation, there be given, granted and paid to 
him the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds lawful money of this Prov- 
ince as a settlement, to enable him to settle in this place as a minister, — 
the one half to be paid to him at the end of one year from the day of 
his ordination, and the other half in two years from said day. 

Voted, That upon condition the said Mr. Ward shall become the or- 
dained minister of this Church and Congregration, and upon condition 
the said Mr. Ward shall not claim any right or interest arising from 
the ministerial land now sold, that there be given, granted and paid 
to the said Mr. Ward, the sum of sixty pounds as a salary for the first 
year, and the like sum for the second, year, at the end of each year ; 
and the sum of sixty-six pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence for the 
third year ; and the last mentioned sum every year afterwards, during 
his carrying on the work of the Gospel ministry in this precinct, — the 
said salary to commence at the day of his acceptance of this grant and 
closing with the terms thereof, the money to be computed at the rate 
of six shillings and eight pence per ounce silver ; but to be paid in the 
then current money of this Province. 

Voted, That in case the said Mr. Ward shall, for one year together 
during his ministry, be rendered unable to perform the publick duty of 
his office personally, he shall be allowed the one-half of the above- 
granted salary, and no more, during his continuance in the relation of a 
minister to this people, unless he shall be restored to health, and per- 
form said duty. 

Voted, That there be given, granted and delivered to said Mr. Ward 
at his dwelling-house annually in said precinct thirty cords of fire-wood 
during his continuance in the ministry here, to commence wlien he shall 
begin house-keeping, the said wood to be eight feet in length. 

Voted, That the foregoing grants and this contract is upon the ex- 
press condition the said Mr. Ward sliall make no claim to any ministerial 
land in this town, or the incomes arising by the sale thereof; but the 
same shall be and remain with the people to enable them to pay the 
salary before granted.*' 



110 

Mr. Ward signified his acceptance of the above terms, September 
13th, in the following words : — 

" To Jedidiah Foster Esq., Moderator of a meeting in the frst precinct in 

Brookjield, to be communicated. 

Gentlemen : — After the most mature, deliberate consideration (the 
time would admit) of the general invitation you have given me to settle 
among you, and take upon me the pastoral care of the Church and Congre- 
gation in this precinct, considering the encouragement you gave as a set- 
tlement, and the sum you offer as a salary, although not agreeable to my 
expectations, and attended with some peculiar restrictions, yet for the 
sake of the peace of the society, and hoping for the continuance of your 
friendsliip and affection, I accept of your proposals, and do hereby signify 
my closing with the terms thereof. Praying that, by the divine aid and 
assistance,! may faithfully discharge the important trust when committed 
to me ; wishing that grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied in this place ; 
and that we may long be mutual blessings and comforts to each other in 
tliis life, and finally meet and rejoice together in endless happiness, 

I remain. Gentlemen, your sincere friend and humble servant, 

EPHRAm WARD. 

Brookjield, first precinct, September 13, 1771." 

NOTE III. 

THE ORIGINAL AND PRESENT COVENANT OF THE CHTRCH. 

You do now in the presence of the great and holy GOD, the elect 
Angels, and this assembly of witnesses, enter into a solemn and per- 
petual covenant, never to be forgotton, never to be broken. 

You sincerely and cordially give up yourself to^ that GOD whose 
name alone is JEHOVAH; taking GOD the Father to be your GOD 
and Father, GOD the son to be your only Saviour and Redeemer. 
GOD the Holy (ihost to be your Sanctifier and Comforter. 

You submit yourself to Christ, and accept him as the Prophet, Priest, 
and King of your soul, the Great Head of the Church, and the only Media- 
tor of the covenant of grace; promising that by the assistance of the Holy 
Spirit you will keep the covenant of the Lord inviolably; that you will 
cleave to the Lord Jesus Clirist by faith and Gospel obedience ; — and will 
endeavor to reform your life as to all known sin, whether open or secret ; 
- — will live in the conscientious discharge of all duty toward GOD and 
man; — walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord 
blamelessly ; — that you will endeavor that the inward temper of your 
mind be conformed to GOD's will and word; — and that you will follow 
the excellent example which Christ has set yon for the rule of your life. 

You also give up yourself to this Church in the Lord ; and freely 



120 

covenant and bind yourself to walk as a regular member of Christ's 
cliurch ; to obey them that have rule over you in the Lord — to read 
GOD's word, and to live in the practice of aocial and secret prayer, and 
in diligent attendance on the word preached, and ordinances adminis- 
tered : and relying on the grace and all-sufficiency of Christ, which are 
sufficient for you — You promise to walk according to what you now 
know, or shall know to be your duty. 

Do you sincerely and cordially consent to tlxe covenant now proposed? 

We then receive you as a sincere disciple of Christ and a member of 
the same church with ourselves, promising, so long as GOD shall con- 
tinue you among us, to watch over you with meekness and brotherly 
love; and may the Lord add to the numbers and graces of his church, 
and finally bring us all to join the general Assembly, and Church of the 
First-born, whose names are written in heaven. Amen. 



NOTE IV. 

The number of members of which the church was composed when 
Mr. Ward's ministry commenced, in 1771, is not ascertained. We gather 
from the Catalogue about ninety names. But as the record of admis- 
sions begins only fourteen years earlier, (in 1758), many names are un- 
doubtedly lost. 

The following table, carefully compiled by Mr. Cordley (former 
pastor) from the Catalogue prepared by himself, and continued by the 
present pastor, indicates the annua^ increase or decrease in the member- 
ship of the Church during each pastorate for the last half century, be- 
ginning with the year 1816. 

Mr. Phelps was settled October 23, 1816. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1816 


October 23, 






236 


1817 


January 1, 


4 


4 


236 


1818 


January 1, 


13 


11 


238 


1819 


January 1, 


57 


6 


289 


1820 


January 1, 


65 


14 


340 


1821 


January 1, 


8 


9 


339 


1822 


January 1, 


10 


10 


339 


1823 


January 1, 




6 


333 


1824 


January 1, 


2 


13 


322 


1825 


January 1, 


2 


12 


812 


1826 


January 1, 


4 


13 


303 


1826 


October 25, 


3 


16 


290 



Mr. Phelps was dismissed October 25, 1826. 



121 

Mr. Foot was settled October 25, 1826. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1827 


January 1, 


1 


1 


290 


1828 


January' 1, 


84 


13 


361 


1829 


January 1, 


13 


8 


366 


1830 


January 1, 


7 


9 


364 


1831 


January 1, 


11 


16 


359 


1832 


January 1, 


5 


19 


345 


1832 


May 1, 


1 


4 


342 



Mr. Foot was dismissed May 1, 1832. 
!Mr. Horton was settled August 15, 1832. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 




1832 


August 15 




4 


338 




1833 


Jauuarv 1 


10 


12 


336 




1834 


January 1 


11 


24 


323 




1835 


January 1 


8 


21 


310 




1836 


January 1 


99 


28 


381 




1837 


January 1 


6 


12 


375 




1838 


January 1 


11 


19 


367 




1839 


January 1 


2 


18 


351 




1840 


January 1 


29 


21 


359 




1841 


January 1 


8 


14 


348 




1841 


September 


15, 11 


14 


345 



Mr. Horton was dismissed September 15, 1841. 



■ Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1842 
1842 


January 1, 
January 12, 


1 


6 340 

1 340 



Mr. Chase was settled January 12, 1842. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1843 
1843 


January 1, 
October 27, 


13 
2 


22 
15 


331 
318 



Mr. Chase was dismissed October 27, 1843. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1844 
1844 


January 1, 
December 19, 


3 


5 
14 


313 
302 



16 



122 



Mr. Parker was settled December 19, 1844. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Eeniovals. 


Members. 


1845 


January 1, 


1 


1 


302 


1846 


January 1, 


15 


14 


303 


1847 


January 1, 


12 


16 


299 


1848 


January 1, 


6 


16 


289 


1849 


January 1, 


21 


13 


297 


1850 


January 1, 


2 


16 


283 


1851 


January 1, 


7 


10 


280 


1851 


April 7, 


4 


3 


281 



Mr. Parker was dismissed April 7, 1851. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1852 
1852 


January 1, 
November 17, 


6 


12 
11 


269 
264 



Mr. Byington was settled November 17, 1852. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1853 


January 1, 


1 


2 


263 


1854 


January 1, 


14 


10 


267 


1855 


January 1, 


18 


12 


273 


1856 


January 1, 


7 


22 


258 , 


1857 


January 1, 


3 


13 


248 


1858 


January 1, 


8 


16 


240 


1858 


October 28, 


19 


18 


241 



Mr. Byington was dismissed October 28, 1858. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1859 

1859 


January 1, 
June 28, 


3 


2 
5 


239 
237 



Mr. Cordley was settled June 28, 1859. 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1860 
1861 
1862 
1862 


January 1, 
January 1, 
January 1, 
June 23, 


15 
9 

11 
3 


5 

18 
11 

7 


247 
238 
238 
234 



Mr. Cordley was dismissed June 23, 1802. 



123 



Year. 


Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Memberf. 


18C)3 
1804 
1864 


January 1, 

.January 1, 

October 4, 


2 1 



1 3'J* 


230 

22y 

I'Jl 



]Mr. Dunham was settled October 4, 1864. 



Year. [ Month. 


Additions. 


Removals. 


Members. 


1805 

■ 1866 

1867 

1867 


January 1, 
January 1, 
January 1, 
December 1, 


27 
20 
10 

78 




7 

10 

9 


218 

231 

231 

• 300 



The lithographic likeness of Rev. Mr. Ward accompanying this 
pamphlet, has been kindly furnished at considerable expense by his 
grandson, George L. Ward, Esq., of Cambridge. 



* Of these twenty-four were strUken from the roW, having been absent many years 
without takinj; letters of dismission and recommendation to otlier churches. 















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